Music
23 Aug 16

Widespread support for @ireland custodian following racist abuse

Michelle Marie has refused to be silenced by right-wing, Trump-supporting trolls

The racist trolling of this week's @ireland account curator has made cross-channel headlines with ITV, The Guardian and The Telegraph all reporting on how Michelle Marie, a black British woman living in Wicklow, has been subjected to a torrent of abuse, much of it from American right-wingers.
"You're an African with an IQ in the 80's representing a Northern European island nation that has nothing to do with you," messaged James, an enthusiastic Donald Trump supporter who immediately received 22 'likes'.
Acknowledging that "there's so much hate", Marie took a break from the account last night but signed back on this morning and has been talking about her experiences of being adopted.
"New day, new start," she wrote. "They may try to bring me down, but I will simply rise again, stronger than ever."
The trolls have been far outnumbered by people sending messages of support to Michelle, a single mother who also models and blogs.
Joe Ryan, a Labour councillor in Wexford, noted that: "Those trolls don't speak for me, or my wife, or my kids, or my work mates, or my friends or Ireland."
Added Louise G: "Mortified by the ignorant racists. Please know that the majority welcome new Irish who are not Irish born or red haired and freckled."
Among those sending messages of support are prominent UK Labour MP Dianne Abbott who says: "Very sorry for the abuse you are receiving on Twitter. Don't let it put you off. You are doing great."
Those sentiments are echoed by actress and activist Patricia Arquette who messages: ?I'm so sorry there are so many idiots harassing you. They are really pathetic asses. ‪#neanderthals still walk the earth.?
Team Hot Press also sends its best wishes to Michelle whose eloquence, positivity and good nature shines through with every tweet.

Here's a perfect example of the trolling I receive on a regular basis. It's what spurs me on to keep doing what I do https://t.co/ON05813BbI

— Ireland / Michelle (@ireland) August 22, 2016

I am not an Irish citizen or of Irish descent. Correct. But I do live in Ireland and this account is to represent all residents here.

— Ireland / Michelle (@ireland) August 22, 2016

Black people can live in any country they like. We can read and write. We are educated. We can work. We can even tweet. I know, shocking.

— Ireland / Michelle (@ireland) August 22, 2016