,
6 tweets,
2 min read
Read on Twitter
If your definition of owning me is that I showed empathy the morning of the news of Jussie Smollett’s reported attack, in a tweet that noted twice that we didn’t know everything — “It appears” and “alleged” — then go have at it.
Yes, it would be awful if Smollett concocted this, and that should be addressed appropriately. But beyond posting the initial police report that first morning, I stayed quiet until today because I am not there. I do not know enough for me to feel comfortable saying what happened.
That first day, I tweeted the police statement and nothing else BECAUSE I know there is lots of misinformation in these situations. I was responsible. I also was a human, showing empathy, and saying that what I had just read was awful.
Today, I saw this idea that people in the media were “rooting for” an outcome and it disgusted me. I was “rooting for” anything OTHER THAN that a person was attacked because they were black or gay. But, I know it happens, and, as I’m gay, I had a moment of fear.
Since then, there have been issues w/ the coverage, as I said earlier this afternoon. Reporters need to be careful. That fear and empathy can inform our knowledge and make us better reporters, but the reporting needs to be careful — especially if facts blur and stories change.
At the end of the day, I’m sad. I’m sad for Smollett, I’m sad for the Chicago community, I’m sad for everyone who’s been wrapped up in this from all views, but I’m mostly sad — and spoke out today — b/c there are queer people of color dying due to hate, and those deaths are real.
