Social media users defended Fox News contributor Tomi Lahren after a woman threw a drink at her at a Minneapolis restaurant.
TMZ reported that a woman threw a glass of water at Lahren, unprovoked. A viral video of the incident and of someone shouting obscenities at Lahren prompted even liberal figures to come to her defense.
Comedian Kathy Griffin, a liberal, said that she doesn’t “think it’s cool” to physically confront someone you disagree with.
“I couldn’t disagree more with Tomi Lahren, but I don’t think it’s cool to resort to physical actions to make your point,” Griffin tweeted. “The first amendment is a beautiful thing — use it.”
I couldn’t disagree more with @TomiLahren, but I don’t think it’s cool to resort to physical actions to make your point.
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) May 23, 2018
The first amendment is a beautiful thing - use it. https://t.co/Yx8obh0aH0
Andy Lassner, an executive producer of “The Ellen Show,” said that while he “detests” Lahren, throwing a drink at her “crosses the line.”
“I think she’s terrible,” he tweeted. “I think she’s racist. I think her shtick is dumb. However, I don’t think throwing a drink in her face is something to be celebrated.”
Been thinking about it.
— andy lassner (@andylassner) May 23, 2018
I know many will disagree, but here’s how I feel.
I detest @TomiLahren.
I think she’s terrible.
I think she’s racist.
I think her shtick is dumb.
However, I don’t think throwing a drink in her face is something to be celebrated.
It crosses the line.
People need to learn free speech is free speech and what these thugs did too Tomi Lahren, is unacceptable. This not a message from any movement just down right evil, regardless of where you stand with @TomiLahren, she has every right to speak her values like any other American.
— David Weissman (@davidmweissman) May 23, 2018
What those people did is NEVER ok. No matter what someone thinks about another’s views, it’s disgusting.
— Jeremy Frankel (@FrankelJeremy) May 23, 2018
Whoever threw this drink at @TomiLahren is lame.
— Chet Cannon (@Chet_Cannon) May 23, 2018
‘But, but her politics bother me’
I don’t care. You don’t treat people this way, and based on the traction your tweet getting, it’s utterly despicable how many agree with this behavior. Gross https://t.co/s5mRDfRixs
Lahren tweeted a message of thanks to those who spoke out in her defense.
“I appreciate the words of support- even from those who normally dislike me,” she tweeted. “Free speech is a gift- no need to resort to that kind of attack.”
I appreciate the words of support- even from those who normally dislike me. Free speech is a gift- no need to resort to that kind of attack. I’ll discuss the restaurant incident on @foxandfriends tomorrow morning.
— Tomi Lahren (@TomiLahren) May 23, 2018
President TrumpDonald TrumpNoem touts South Dakota coronavirus response, knocks lockdowns in CPAC speech On The Trail: Cuomo and Newsom — a story of two embattled governors McCarthy: 'I would bet my house' GOP takes back lower chamber in 2022 MORE praised Lahren shortly after she discussed the incident on “Fox & Friends.”
“Everybody is with Tomi Lahren, a truly outstanding and respected young woman!” he tweeted.
Everybody is with Tomi Lahren, a truly outstanding and respected young woman! @foxandfriends
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 23, 2018
Lahren, 25, is a rising star in conservative media who often draws criticism for her views on immigration, gun rights and race relations.