Tweet, Then Delete: Rep. Pressley Clarifies Will Smith Take

Boston MA

28 March, 2022

8:30 AM

Description

BOSTON — U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley isn't often shy to say what's on her mind, but she had second thoughts on Sunday night. The Massachusetts congresswoman tweeted out in support of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith after the former slapped and cursed out comedian Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards in one of the most jarring moments in the history of live television. Rock had made a joke about Pinkett Smith's short haircut; Pinkett Smith suffers from alopecia, a disease that causes hair loss and one Pressley also has. "#Alopecia nation stand up!" she wrote. "Thank you #WillSmith Shout out to all the husbands who defend their wives living with alopecia in the face of daily ignorance & insults." A couple minutes later, even as takes were still developing about whether Smith should be lauded for defending his wife or condemned for assaulting someone, Pressley deleted her tweet. She clarified her thoughts late Monday morning in a series of tweets. "My life's work has always been about trauma & healing. I'm a survivor - I don't endorse violence in any form," Pressley said. She continued: "Let's talk about what it's like to live with #alopecia. The deeply vulnerable & difficult moments that our families see. Appreciation post for those who hold us down & support us when we're at our lowest points. They see us, fully. #IYKYK "Our bodies are not public domain. They are not a line in a joke—especially when the transformation is not of our choosing. "I'm a survivor of violence. I'm a proud Alopecian. The psychological toll we carry daily is real. Team Jada always. That's that on that." Rock had made a joke about Pinkett Smith starring a "G.I. Jane" sequel. Pinkett Smith has spoken publicly about her battle with alopecia. Pressley has also been very public about alopecia, revealing her baldness in early 2020. RELATED: MA-Filmed CODA Wins Best Picture