After a four-year battle with colon cancer, Chadwick Boseman passed away on August 28th. Fans, friends and family have paid tribute both in person and on the internet to the late Black Panther actor by posting their favorite photos of him as well as some of his inspiring quotes.
TikTok users commented insensitive and disrespectful remarks regarding Wakanda’s “immigration policy” while countless fans of Boseman came to his defense. Some of these remarks commented on respectful TikToks made to honor his career and life.
— Brie Larson (@brielarson) August 29, 2020
And these messages and comments did not only appear on TikTok, but on other platforms such as Twitter as well.
https://twitter.com/TheRalphRetort/status/1299543330712440834
During a time of racial injustice and violent discrimination against the black community, these comments have angered and upset users across social media. Some have made a point to note that these comments and “jokes” need to be both flagged and reported.
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Unfortunately, the controversial remarks were not only made and commented on by anonymous internet trolls. A prominent political figure, Shaun King, is under scrutiny for seemingly marketing off of Chadwicks death.
How Shaun King Got Involved
One user decided to share an email that was apparently sent from King’s camp. It stated: “Shaun King is using Chadwicks death to sell books, he claims don’t make him any money. I’m so tired of SK profiting off of Black death.”
https://twitter.com/PixieXXIII/status/1299792424458424321?s=20
After word began to spread and the call-out tweet went viral, Shaun King quickly trended on Twitter. Many pointed out that King has a history of doing this and sent a similar email in regards to Breonna Taylor.
After trending for some time and being attacked by countless Twitter users, King decided to respond to the allegations.
“I literally do not make a penny off of sales for my book. Nothing. Got paid a year ago to write it. I had a mass email pre-scheduled to go out this morning about my book. I updated the email to also mention the death of Chadwick. And I don’t regret it. At all. There’s that,” He said.
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Countless Twitter users made a point that his remarks about how book deals work are simply false and that King’s tweets were yet again insensitive.
One tweeted: “Shaun King, this is a lie. This isn’t how book deals work. What you got paid is an advance. As books sell, your advance gets paid back. Once it is paid back, you start to make more money on sales. You were trying to profit off Chadwick Boseman’s death and it’s disgusting.”
Shaun King, this is a lie.
This isn't how book deals work. What you got paid is an advance. As books sell, your advance gets paid back.
Once it is paid back, you start to make more money on sales.
You were trying to profit off Chadwick Boseman's death and it's disgusting. pic.twitter.com/FhD7KoJzB9
— Rebecca Kavanagh (@DrRJKavanagh) August 29, 2020
This is not the first time Shaun King has been under fire during his career. Several controversial decisions and actions of his have raised eyebrows and caused people to question supporting him throughout his time in the public eye.
Remembering Chadwick Boseman
Despite the controversial and unacceptable comments made by users on social media, Chadwick Boseman’s humble nature, representation and legacy will forever live on.
Celebrities and fans, including Ryan Reynolds and Brie Larson, continue to grieve the loss of a friend and icon. Boseman was only 43 years old and battled colon cancer for over four years. He is well-known for his role as T’Challa in Black Panther as well as Jackie Robinson in 42 and countless others. Boseman’s battle with the life-threatening disease was not made public until his passing.
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
As stated in the post made on his official Twitter account, Boseman died in his home with his wife and family by his side. The devastating news was shared on social media and left millions both shocked and heartbroken.
Following the news, many shared tributes to the late actor and many caught the attention of celebrities on the internet.
This is his power and impact on the next generation. #ChadwickForever pic.twitter.com/uzwaNOt8M0
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 30, 2020
Touching stories and acts of remembrance continue to be shared in honor of the late actor. It is evident that he touched the hearts of many through his work and character and is already missed.
Rest in peace, Chadwick Boseman.
Video Created By:
Job Kimani
Featured image from Instagram and Olivier Bergeron via Unsplash.
