This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Ashley Judd takes trolls to task over misogynist tweets, and the Internet reacts
Actress Ashley Judd arrives to The Paley Center for Media presents A Screening of ABC's "Missing" at The Paley Center for Media in this April 10, 2012 file photo taken in Beverly Hills, California. The actress said Monday, March 16, 2015, she is pressing charges over a series of abusive and sexually threatening tweets.
(
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
)
Warning: Some of the language in this story may be offensive to some.
Ashley Judd is taking Internet trolls to task over a series of misogynistic tweets directed at her this week, and her actions have sparked a groundswell of support on social media.
The actress, who appears in the upcoming film "Insurgent," told MSNBC on Monday that she would press charges over tweets that contained abusive and sexually threatening language.
"The way things happen on social media is so abusive, and everybody needs to take personal responsibility for what they write, and not allowing this misinterpretation and shaming culture on social media to persist. And by the way, I'm pressing charges," she said in the interview.
The uproar started on Sunday when the actress sent a heated tweet in reaction to a play in the college basketball game between Kentucky and Arkansas (Judd is a Kentucky fan).
That Tweet appears to have been deleted, but it may have been preserved in this retweet from Kentucky Sports Radio's Matt Jones, who also expressed support for Judd:
Sponsored message
Judd said that comment triggered a number of threatening, abusive tweets, like this one, which she retweeted as an example:
Her response, also on Twitter, racked up more than 1,000 favorites and nearly 1,000 retweets:
The Washington Post points out Judd is herself a victim of sexual violence.
In another interview with the Today show on Tuesday, Judd addressed the issue of violence against women:
"The amount of gender violence I experience is absolutely extraordinary and a significant part of my day today will be spent filing police reports at home about gender violence that's directed at me on social media."
Sponsored message
Judd seemed surprised at the show of support:
What do you think? Do you agree with Judd's response? Should Internet trolls be prosecuted? How do you handle online abuse? Let us know in the comments, tweet us @kpcc, or hit us up on Facebook.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
