Comedian and actress Leslie Jones became the target of relentless racist and sexist abuse after joining the cast of the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot. The online harassment escalated to violent death threats, forcing Jones to temporarily leave Twitter.
The Saturday Night Live star faced a torrent of hateful messages, including derogatory remarks about her race and appearance. Many fans and fellow celebrities rallied behind her, condemning the abuse and calling for stronger measures against online trolls.
Outrage Over Online Abuse
Jones, who played Patty Tolan in the film, shared screenshots of the abusive messages on social media, highlighting the severity of the attacks. The incident reignited debates about the prevalence of racism and misogyny in Hollywood and on social media platforms.
Several high-profile figures, including Ghostbusters co-star Melissa McCarthy and director Paul Feig, publicly supported Jones, praising her resilience and condemning the perpetrators.
Twitter's Response
Twitter faced criticism for its slow response to the harassment. The platform eventually suspended several accounts linked to the abuse, but many argued that more proactive measures were needed to protect users from such attacks.
Jones later returned to Twitter, using her platform to speak out against online hate and advocate for greater accountability.
A Broader Issue in Hollywood
The abuse directed at Jones underscored the broader challenges faced by Black women in entertainment. Studies have shown that women of colour are disproportionately targeted by online harassment, often with little recourse.
Despite the backlash, Jones continued to thrive in her career, earning praise for her work on Saturday Night Live and other projects. Her experience remains a stark reminder of the toxicity that persists in online spaces.
