Fifth Harmony singer Normani Kordei announced on Saturday, August 6, that she’s taking a break from Twitter after she was cyberbullied by “horrific” racist trolls.
“Over the past four years of being in the public eye I’ve learned to grow a thick skin to critics and those who may not like me,” she wrote in a lengthy Twitter statement. “I’ve never been one to deny anyone of their opinions, but over the course of this last week and especially over the last 48 hours I’ve not just been cyber bullied, I’ve been racially cyberbullied with tweets and pictures so horrific and racially charged that I can’t subject myself any longer to the hate.”
The 20-year-old pop singer continued, “I’m not the first black female celebrity to deal with this and I’m sure I won’t be the last. I want to take this moment to say Love goes much further than hate in this world. Hiding behind a computer and putting people down, especially for the color of their skin doesn’t make you cool, it makes you a coward!”
“I have nothing but love for everyone, even my haters and I hope I can lead by example,” Kordei added. “I also want to thank Twitter for immediately jumping into action when they were alerted to the situation. I love you all!”
To my fans: pic.twitter.com/7yICp10G5Z
— NormaniKordei (@NormaniKordei) August 7, 2016
Shortly afterwards, several stars came to Kordei’s defense with a handful of heartfelt messages.
“You’re so strong,” singer Becky G wrote. “You’re right, love does go farther than hate in this. If only everyone saw it that way. Much love xo.”
The Atlanta native’s fellow Fifth Harmony member Camila Cabello also tweeted a message of support, writing, “You don’t have to hate on somebody else to support me- I don’t appreciate it and it’s not what I’m about.. Be kind or move on.”
Last month, Ghostbusters actress Leslie Jones also quit Twitter after she was also attacked by a group of racist Internet trolls. “I leave Twitter tonight with tears and a very sad heart,” she wrote on July 18. Weeks later, the Saturday Night Live cast member made a triumphant return to the social media platform, where she shared a series of hilarious videos while watching the 2016 Summer Olympics.
