Disheartening

It saddens me to read about the 13 year old young man battling cancer who attended President Trump’s address last month receiving harassing phone calls and online attacks. Instead of what should be a monumental experience in his life, has turned into an overwhelming nightmare of bullying attacks from anonymous grown adults on the internet as well as social media influencers.

Theodis Daniel, D.J.’s father is also dealing with this stress and frustration on top of the stress he has already been dealing with in terms of D.J.’s brain and spinal cancer, as a single dad. Instead of celebrating the testament of achievement to D.J.’s resilience, they are caught in the crossfire of political backlash. After receiving the Secret Service badge, the joy of that occasion quickly became overshadowed by immediate harsh criticism.

Just hours after the address, public figures and media personalities began questioning the legitimacy of that moment. Rachel Maddow from MSNBC criticized the recognition of D.J. as a political stunt.

A YouTuber who goes by the name of CharlieTuna called D.J. “the freak in the circus show of Trump’s speech.”

Maverick X alledged D.J. was just an actor and researched a picture of D.J. when he was younger making a rock-and-roll symbol accusing him of “making the devil horns.”

TahitianTreatt wrote on social media it was all symbolic nonsense which was meant to boost the self-esteem of white folks believing they saved someone black.

Theodis tells CBN News the calls were people attacking his son and calling him vile names. He went on to say it was like these people didn’t care what he’s going through. They don’t care that he’s fighting for his life.

The harassment doesn’t end with just phone calls. Social media platforms display many cruel comments mocking D.J.’s connection to President Trump as well as making fun of his police attire and even his appearance.

Theodis again states his confusion why these people are treating his son this way. D.J. has had 12 brain surgeries and is fighting hard to survive. Theodis doesn’t understand why they are bullying him and if that isn’t enough, Theodis says D.J.’s health suffers from the added stress. He doesn’t know what to do, being caught up in the middle of a political storm, and the toll it’s having on his son.

They even received a questionable call from someone Theodis doesn’t wish to name. This person offered a significant amount of money to have them step out of the limelight and let the story die but Theodis was not going to accept any amount of money because for them it’s not about the publicity. It’s about D.J. and his inspiring story.

However, D.J. is remaining positive. He states he doesn’t care what people think because it’s not about them. He’s making a difference and that’s what matters to him. The night of President Trump’s address was the best night ever and he’s not going to let anyone take it from him.