Surely you’re aware of the documentary Bridegroom, which tells the heart-wrenching story of a gay man whose life is turned upside-down after the death of his partner. It started as a YouTube video in which Shane Bitney Crone tearfully recounted how his partner, Tom, passed away; and then how Tom’s family tried to wipe away their relationship.
After gathering millions of views (it’s up to 4.5 million right now), the video became a full-length documentary. Redbox, the robot-DVD-rental-kiosk company, started carrying it due to its powerful message, despite a company policy against carrying documentaries. (Which is kind of a crazy policy, but let’s deal with that later.)
And now there’s a new twist that maybe you could have seen coming: Shane reports receiving abusive messages from people who don’t want the documentary to even be available to rent.
“Apparently this charitable act also has people up in arms, because they feel as if Bridegroom attempts to force people to change their views and beliefs while spreading a sinful, intolerable message,” he wrote on Facebook.
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How massive is the backlash? It’s hard to say. Shane says he’s getting awful emails from people. Publicly, we could only find evidence of one single anti-Bridegroom message on Redbox’s Facebook page, though there are surely a few more out there. The page has been deluged with support since Shane posted his status update.
The only references we could find to boycotting Redbox was someone who doesn’t like the fees; and someone on DailyKos annoyed that the company was competing with local video stores, five years ago.
So support for the documentary seems to far outweigh the opposition. Still, it’s hard to imagine what Shane’s been through — losing a partner, rejected by a family, and now getting messages from strangers who don’t think he should be allowed to tell his story? Let’s all give him a big internet-hug. And then go rent his movie.
Scribe38
I was supporting him on twitter yesterday. There is a blk tea-party radio host who is calling for the boycott against redbox. Shane called the bigot out the other day on twitter. I hope people continue to wrap their arms around Shane.
Cam
Lets look at what they are so furious about….
They are angry that there is a documentary that shows a family threatening, harrassing as well as stealing from somebody who had just lost his partner to an untimely death.
They are furious that somebody might see what a real victim of bigotry looks like.
AuntieChrist
Bridegroom is available on Netflix…FYI
mcflyer54
This “boycott” is a total failure. Actually Redbox (and “Bridegroom”) are probably benefitting from the added publicity. Most people who use Redbox do so because it is easy, convenient and cheap and they aren’t about to change their viewing habits because of a single title that wouldn’t appeal to them anyway. I rented “Bridegroom” the day it came out and again 2 days later to share with a friend but since then the 4 closest Redbox units to my home have never had an available copy. If someone is renting copies to keep others from getting them they are crazy because Redbox keeps titles stocked that are in demand which could mean a very long shelf life for “Bridegroom”.
Cyn
Shane really should not be reading his own emails from the public, it can be too harsh. That’s what interns are for.
Dakotahgeo
I’ve had the privilege to see “Bridegroom” twice now. It shows how really base and monstrous the Bridegroom family and those like them really are! Bastards from the deep seems to be too good of a description of them and their ilk!!! May Tom’s memory and spirit always live in people who are lonely and need love and comfort. Against the Bridegroom’s worst judgement, they have endeared Tom’s memory and heart to the ages. Shane has shown the better part of valor and Christianity in the midst of tragedy and sorrow. May he be strengthened in love from the hate of bigots!!!
TomMc
@AuntieChrist: Indeed it is, and it’s a fantastic film. (I found it and watched it late last night.) Thanks for that AuntieChrist 🙂
ZAGay
This is really the saddest thing I’ve seen in a long time. I really feel for American LGBTs. I hope you kick your government’s collective asses and finally get your rights. This should not have happened and I wish I could meet the Bridegroom family. I’ve got a pitchfork just the right size…