Gabby Thomas, Spice, Sanya Richards-Ross and Nicki Minaj are among the celebrities who have expressed support for Jamaican runner Junelle Bromfield amid online abuse she has received the last several weeks.
Bromfield has been the target of vicious social media attacks from fellow Jamaicans since her boyfriend, American sprinter Noah Lyles, revealed in a pre-Olympics interview in July that he has been privy to inside information regarding Jamaican athletes.
While speaking out against the attacks in a post to Instagram on Friday, the Jamaican 400m runner also shared screenshots of some of the hateful messages she has received, with many of them disparaging her dark complexion and looks.
“I grew up hearing black is not beautiful , your hair is dry, your mouth is too big, your forehead too high and when you throw all those insults behind you and start walking with confidence the best compliment you get is (you are) pretty for a black girl.
“I honestly thought we were past colorism in Jamaica especially as (a) nation that is filled with black people. I have been getting cyber bullied for weeks and when it gets talked about I’m a liar because no Jamaican was coming for my features,” she continued. “I could go off ranting but I’m just here to tell all the girls/women on my profile that you’re beautiful no matter your shade, shape or size and for the little black girls don’t wait on anybody to tell you that your beautiful to believe it.”
The post has received thousands of likes and hundreds of comments from persons expressing solidarity with Bromfield.
Lyles, who had previously publicly expressed his support of Bromfield in the face of the online abuse, said: “Baby you are and will always be an inspiration to all little girls feeling this exact way. I can’t wait for the day that you tell your story in full because every girl that has felt what you are going through will know how amazing they can be and go on to do amazing things!”
Recently-crowned Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas commented: “Thank you for using your platform to share this- WE know you are one of the most beautiful ladies on the track, but what’s even more important is how much you shine as a person and how you light up a room. We love you.”
Jamaican-born US Olympian and broadcaster, Sanya Richards-Ross added: “You are beautiful!!! Inside and out. Keep shining bright.”
Diamond-selling American rapper Nicki Minaj expressed her support by simply posting a photo of Bromfield in her Instagram storied.
The Olympic quarter-miler also received support from many Jamaican celebrities.
The ‘queen of dancehall’ Spice, who has previously spoken out against colourism in Jamaica, wrote: “Beautification, Black creation, Black Perfection. They use to say I’m black like Tar but look at me now I’m a Shining Star. @JunelleBromfield YOU ARE A BLACK HERO I’M SO PROUD OF YOU QUEEN. Now let’s show them what black girls are made of.”
Yohan Blake, the second-fastest man in history over both the 100 and 200 metres, told Bromfield: “You are beautiful just the way you are. Let them talk! Most people hate themselves that’s why it’s so easy for them to show hate. Don’t get caught up in what they have to say about you.
Stay focused!”
Meanwhile, Jamaican beauty queen Davina Bennett added: “BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL. MELANIN IS GOLDEN. Continue to filter out the hate. You are stunning in every way! It’s heartbreaking to see colorism prevail, especially within our own country. Hold your head high, fix your crown, and stand tall in knowing that you’ve made your roots proud. Sending positive energy your way!”
