The Dark Side Of Fandom: Leslie Jones Incident Exposes A Deeper Issue

While some might argue that the internet is a wealth of information, on Monday night the internet showed that it was a pool of hate.Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones, one of the stars of Ghostbusters, was the target of internet bullies who channeled their hatred for the rebooted film into a mountain of racist rants meant to tear her down.

Here is one. (Disclaimer – these tweets are pretty horrible, so read at your own risk)

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and another –

Here’s one more example –

and one more –

Now most assume that this type of vile behavior has been directed just at Leslie, but Ghostbuster director Paul Feig has dealt with this behavior as well.

 

It’s one thing to critique a film, and it’s another to make this personal. It seems that the internet tough guys think that it’s their right to attack anyone associated with this film on a hurtful personal level. Some might argue that this is simply the drawbacks of being a celebrity but just because someone makes a movie that shouldn’t allow a person to be treated as less than a human being. Where do we draw the line? How do we draw the line? Is this the dark side of fandom that will never go away?

ghostbusters reboot

What are your thoughts? Do you think that these are just overzealous or a few bad fans that make the rest look bad? Let us know!

Dewey Singleton - Film Critic
Dewey Singleton - Film Critic
I'm a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and have been doing reviews for many years. My views on film are often heard in markets such as Atlanta, Houston, and satellite radio. My wife often tolerates my obsession for all things film related and two sons are at an age now where 'Trolls' is way cooler than dad. Follow me on twitter @mrsingleton.