While it is nice to get “hits,” for your online news site, it is not nice to smear a woman’s reputation. I am an independent blogger and a journalist/ producer for a major news station in Houston, so this story not only hit close to home, but it actually bothered me quite a bit.
A Houston entertainer, who is obviously very popular on social media based off of her more than 41,000 Twitter followers, became a headliner for many gossip/entertainment sites after rumors swirled that she “twerked a baby right out of her” at a local strip club. In other words, they are claiming that she had a miscarriage while performing on stage at VLive.
That rumor not only crossed from the blogosphere, but made its way into newsrooms because we are always checking to see what’s trending. When I saw this story, I immediately called BS – with a follow up of question as to why would anyone want to sensationalize this. If it did happen, it would not be something to tear a person down. Having a miscarriage is very devastating.
As a woman who has suffered a miscarriage before, I know that it is no laughing matter. And trust me, you are not able to “twerk” a baby out of you. There are many active people—including athletes—that have done some “high energy” things that did not cause their buns to fall out of the ovens. Think of all the singers who work stages – and red carpets—in high heel shoes and form-fitting clothing while pregnant.
Instead of citing “sources” with “unconfirmed’ information, why don’t you stick to what’s right and get your facts straight first? I saw this story last week and dumped it as soon as I saw it, but have chosen to sound off today because – not only do I feel sorry for the beautiful young woman at the source of it all, but because SHE has disputed the claims on her very own Twitter page.
So, I would like to send my well wishes to Mrs. Jhonni Blaze and say that I wish many in my industry would have ignored the rumors and let you live your life. Whatever happened that night, IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A PRIVATE HEALTH MATTER, but unfortunately today it is not. Some of her initial tweets responding to the rumors were — at first — a little racy, but I am going to be a “Mama Bear” here and say that she may have been acting out because of all of the negative stories.
That..is..all. Remember, everyone can use a mic…BUT…does everyone deserve a microphone? When you publish things that can hurt someone emotionally, it makes you wonder.
Off my soapbox now…I am now dropping my mic and allowing the music to play again. Show them what you’re really working with Ms. Blaze and keep your head up. Be well, young lady.
(This is not an issue about her career choice, this is an issue about capitalizing and sensationalizing off of an unfortunate and very private health matter. We each have the right to choose our professions– as long as it is not hurting anyone — and living in peace.)
