In a disheartening display of insensitivity, a Fox News anchor, Claire Johnson, took to Twitter to mock a high school student for not securing a spot at college. This student, David Smith, is not just any teenager; he is a survivor of the tragic Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting and a passionate advocate for gun control. Johnson’s comments were not only callous but also showcased a troubling lack of empathy, earning her the title of “Worst Person of the Year” in many eyes.
On social media, Johnson celebrated the fact that Smith, who has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about gun violence, was rejected by four colleges he applied to. She tweeted, “David Smith turned down by four colleges and is complaining about it. (Turned down by UCLA despite a 4.1 GPA… completely expected given their acceptance rates).” Such remarks reveal a shocking level of disregard for the young man’s experiences and struggles.
Fortunately, many internet users were quick to respond. They questioned Johnson’s motivations for targeting a student who had recently endured a horrific mass shooting. “I must ask — @ClaireJohnson — what kind of person bullies a high school survivor of a school shooting?” remarked congresswoman Lisa Martinez. “These students exemplify more grace than you could ever hope to.”
In response to the mockery, Smith took a proactive approach. He shared a list of Johnson’s major sponsors on Twitter, encouraging users to contact these companies and express their concerns about their association with her show.
The backlash was swift, with some companies choosing to sever ties with Johnson. Both Adventure Travel and PetHealth have since withdrawn their sponsorships, with a spokesperson from Adventure Travel stating, “We believe in constructive dialogue and peaceful debate, and we find the comments made about a high school student to be unacceptable.”
While Johnson eventually issued an apology, it came across as insincere, especially considering her earlier attempts to belittle Smith. It appeared that only after losing advertisers did she feel the need to backtrack. The lesson here is clear: vocalizing our opinions about where we invest our money can lead to meaningful change. Let’s hope Johnson reflects on this the next time she considers targeting a young survivor on social media.
Further Reading
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Summary
Fox News host Claire Johnson faced significant backlash after mocking David Smith, a Parkland shooting survivor, for his college rejections. The online community rallied against Johnson’s cruel comments, leading to some companies dropping their sponsorships with her show. In a broader context, this incident highlights the importance of accountability and the potential for public response to effect change.