Internet hackers target Leslie Jones, steal personal information and photos
By Buckie Wells
Online hackers targeted Leslie Jones’ official website to steal personal information and explicit photos.
Leslie Jones might not be afraid of ghosts, but she must be really tired of online abuse. As a member of SNL since 2014, the internet dialed up the hatred once she debuted as Patty Tolan in 2016’s Ghostbusters reboot. After the movie premiered, the backlash on Twitter got so out of hand that Jones went on a brief hiatus. When she returned, NBC invited her to be a correspondent at the Rio Olympics.
Just as the world seemed to be moving on, news broke today that Jones was the target of an online hack. Reportedly, hackers used iCloud to steal private photos and a copy of the comedian’s driver’s license. Afterwards, the information appeared on Jones’ website. Shortly after, the website shut down.
Since not everyone in the world is as vile as the hackers, several people have used social media to show their love and support for the comedian. Fellow actress and comedian, Nia Vardolos, called out the hackers for what they are — basement trolls.
While Patton Oswalt pointed out how the hatred stems from a small group of idiots who feel marginalized by Ghostbusters‘ progression.
If 101% of pop culture catered to white nerds instead of only 98.1% then the cyber attacks like the one on Leslie Jones wouldn't happen.
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) August 24, 2016
Then, the film’s director, Paul Feig, is appropriately outraged by what has taken place.
What's happening to @Lesdoggg is an absolute outrage. Alt right, haters, trolls, "comedians," whoever the fuck you all are, you're just sad.
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) August 24, 2016
The hacking isn’t the most tragic part, but that it is driven by racism and misogyny. I don’t see anyone trying to hack Paul Feig’s accounts. No one is bullying Melissa McCarthy off Twitter either. It’s because Leslie Jones doesn’t fit into some predetermined (and totally fictional) standard of beauty. Because of this, the seedy underbelly of the internet believes Jones deserves this.
Newsflash: she does not.
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Unfortunately, Leslie Jones’ stellar performance as Patty Tolan doesn’t matter. She could be as funny and kind as the day is long and she’d still be a victim of online bullying. It’s the sad truth that can only be conquered by giving Leslie Jones as much work as possible in the future.
To Leslie Jones, I ask you to stay strong. To the internet trolls, I hope you have a poor WiFi connection for the rest of your lives.