Fans Show Support After Leslie Jones Suffers Racist Abuse On Twitter

Misogynists can’t seem to get over the Ghostbusters reboot. The stars of the film still suffer online abuse on a regular basis, but yesterday’s slew of racist attacks against Leslie Jones has the star calling for stronger Twitter guidelines and fans coming together to show their support. On Monday, Jones was bombarded with vitriolic, racist messages, which she retweeted to expose the users and to show just how terrifyingly common the disgusting comments are. Soon, Twitter user Marissa Rei started #LoveForLeslieJ and the hashtag quickly gained steam with fans and celebs like Paul Feig, the director behind the Ghostbusters reboot, using it to show love and support for Jones.

Leslie Jones is one of the greatest people I know. Any personal attacks against her are attacks against us all. #LoveForLeslieJ @Lesdoggg

— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) July 18, 2016

Being a successful black woman in the public eye is a radical act. Never forget. #LoveforLeslieJ

— Britt Julious (@britticisms) July 19, 2016

I've got real #LoveForLeslieJ ! Used to do mics with her years ago. Do u remember the Rumba room @Lesdoggg ? Lol. I'm sure you don't.

— Damon Wayans Yunior? (@wayansjr) July 19, 2016

 

I just saw the #LoveforLeslieJ tag. My heart breaks for her. It hurts seeing what our women go through

— Kirk Angle (@ILLCapitano94) July 19, 2016

#LoveForLeslieJ. Keep your head up and shine mama! @Lesdoggg

— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) July 19, 2016

@Lesdoggg queen, wishing you well. Go through your process and hopefully you find peace. Don't let them stop you! ❤️

— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) July 19, 2016

i appreciate you, sis. You make me laugh. #loveforlesliej https://t.co/9x9toP4x8U

— Gina PrinceBythewood (@GPBmadeit) July 19, 2016

Reminder: Let's keep sending positive vibes, love and light to @Lesdoggg today. #LoveforLeslieJ

— Robin Shanea (@rshanea722) July 19, 2016

  After facing so much abuse, Jones finally tweeted, “I leave Twitter tonight with tears and a very sad heart. All this cause I did a movie. You can hate the movie but the shit I got today… wrong.” Users are now calling on Twitter to create stronger guidelines to combat online abuse. Jones, who was told by many followers to ignore the comments, wrote, “Stop saying ignore them or that’s just the way it is. Cause that’s bullshit. Everybody knows an asshole check them for their hate.” A Twitter spokesperson told BuzzFeed News: “This type of abusive behavior is not permitted on Twitter, and we’ve taken action on many of the accounts reported to us by both Leslie and others. We rely on people to report this type of behavior to us but we are continuing to invest heavily in improving our tools and enforcement systems to prevent this kind of abuse. We realize we still have a lot of work in front of us before Twitter is where it should be on how we handle these issues.” While Twitter works to find a better way to fight online abuse, continue to send positive vibes and messages to Leslie and show your support for a funny, strong, successful black woman. WANT MORE FROM ESSENCE? Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news.