In Quotes

Sir Elton John blasts internet trolls; calls for online accountability

via Shutterstock
“We’ve lived through two or three years of divisiveness throughout the whole world, and especially in America, but around the world, and during lockdown, we’ve seen social media being used to abuse people racially. Not just being gay, but racially as well. People are so cruel to each other and it’s because they hide behind their social messaging or whatever they do. If they had to write their names on it, they wouldn’t do it. And I just think it’s just awful that people can write anonymous things about people being gay, being of another political persuasion, religious persuasion, or just plain racial [harassment]. I just think that we have to ask ourselves at this time that it’s not good enough for people to be able to post anonymous things online. They have to be accountable for what they say. It’s making the world really divided and it’s really cruel. People in America are being abused for being Asian because of the Covid thing, and it’s like, ‘Oh, come on.’ And it’s all down to the hateful messaging that people are putting on their social network. And we have to do something about it.”–Icon Sir Elton John, discussing the thriving culture of online anonymity and hate. In an interview with Zane Lowe of Apple Music, the “Rocketman” singer called for ending online anonymity as a means to curb hate speech and harassment.
Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated