Comedian and actress Leslie Jones has bravely spoken out about the horrific online abuse she endured after being cast in the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot. The star, known for her sharp wit and infectious energy, faced a relentless barrage of racist and sexist attacks on social media platforms.
A Storm of Hate
Jones, who played the unforgettable Patty Tolan in the film, revealed that the vitriol escalated to the point where she received death threats. "It was like being in a horror movie," she recalled. "People were saying the most vile things, just because I was a Black woman in a role they didn’t think I deserved."
Hollywood’s Ugly Truth
The abuse directed at Jones highlighted the toxic underbelly of fandom and the entertainment industry’s ongoing struggles with diversity. Many saw the attacks as a stark reminder of the racism and misogyny that women of colour continue to face, both online and in Hollywood.
Standing Strong
Despite the onslaught, Jones refused to be silenced. With the support of her co-stars and fans, she confronted her tormentors head-on, even calling out Twitter for its failure to curb online harassment. Her resilience turned her into a symbol of strength for marginalised voices in the industry.
A Call for Change
Jones’s ordeal has reignited discussions about the need for stricter regulations on social media platforms and greater accountability for online abuse. As she put it, "No one should have to go through that just for doing their job."
