Comedian and actress Leslie Jones has spoken out about the torrent of racist and sexist abuse she endured after being cast in the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot. The star, known for her work on Saturday Night Live, described the experience as "heartbreaking" and revealed the profound impact it had on her mental health.
The Backlash
Jones, who played Patty Tolan in the female-led remake, faced a barrage of hateful messages on social media platforms, particularly Twitter. The abuse ranged from racial slurs to violent threats, with some users even creating manipulated images to further harass her.
A Wider Problem
Her experience highlights the ongoing issue of online harassment faced by women and people of colour in the entertainment industry. "It wasn't just about me," Jones explained. "It was about what I represented - a Black woman succeeding in a space where we're often marginalised."
Industry Response
The incident sparked conversations about social media platforms' responsibilities in combating abuse. Several fellow actors and industry figures rallied behind Jones, including original Ghostbusters star Dan Aykroyd, who publicly condemned the harassment.
Jones has since become an advocate for better protections against online abuse, using her platform to support others facing similar situations. Her resilience in the face of such vitriol has been widely praised by fans and colleagues alike.
