Tyler Joseph Receives Backlash For Making Joke About Using His 'Platforms'
By Katrina Nattress
September 3, 2020
Twenty One Pilots have always made it a point to be as inclusive as possible, both in their music and in their live shows. With the 2020 presidential election coming up, members of the band's Skeleton Clique have implored the band to use its social media platforms to address issues like voting rights and the Black Lives Matter movement.
On Wednesday (September 2), Tyler Joseph, who seldom tweets, posted something for the first time in three months to address fans' requests. "you guys keep asking me to use my platforms. feels good to dust these bad boys off," he wrote alongside two photos of the singer donning a pair of white platform sneakers adorned with moons and stars.
Though meant as a joke presumably about being inactive on social media, many Twitter users voiced their disappointment with the TOP frontman for mocking fans' pleas to help spread information and resources.
you guys keep asking me to use my platforms.
— tyler jøseph (@tylerrjoseph) September 2, 2020
feels good to dust these bad boys off. pic.twitter.com/CFyMOIkKgC
"imagine just imagine how much money you could’ve raised by sharing ONE LINK MAN," one user responded. "we’re not asking you to become an activist. but please don’t mock the people who’ve been fighting for months, that was very VERY low and disrespectful in so many levels"
"for me its the fact that tyler just admitted he saw our tweets asking him to use his platform but didn't do anything" wrote a dejected fan. At time of writing, Joseph hadn't responded to the backlash. See more reactions below.
Update: A few hours after his initial tweet, the singer posted a clarification as well as about a dozen tweets regarding mental health as well as one standing by his original Tweet.
my tweet wasn’t suppose to be about human rights. so in case you are wondering where i stand: Black Lives Matter.
— tyler jøseph (@tylerrjoseph) September 3, 2020
i just wanted to take a moment to raise awareness about something else that has meant a lot to me for a long time.
but now I see there is no room for that right now.
your own mental health should always be a priority.
— tyler jøseph (@tylerrjoseph) September 2, 2020
i’m amazed at how easy it is to forget that simple fact.
it’s something that can sneak up on you, then eventually you check in on it and realize it’s in really bad shape.
i respect all the warriors out there fighting for different causes.
— tyler jøseph (@tylerrjoseph) September 2, 2020
there is honor in it, purpose, and it can make our world better.
i just want to remind you what i’m fighting for:
your mental health is more important today than it ever has been.
you’re not alone.
this isn’t a notes app moment.
— tyler jøseph (@tylerrjoseph) September 2, 2020
i’m doubling down on my platform tweet.
it was fantastic.
This dude just wrote “I told you my level of concern, and you walked by like you never heard” and then walked by like he never heard after hearing our concerns. Dawg https://t.co/eZSkGSlmGv
— The Ghost Club (@TheGhostClubUs) September 2, 2020
tyler joseph after deciding to tweet that caption pic.twitter.com/f5fPJSLQ2f
— ghada ² (@plaincab) September 2, 2020
Cool shoes. Now maybe use your social platforms? https://t.co/V8Ma78nKii https://t.co/FvjPa6Qilg
— TØP Updates (@TOPUPDATERS) September 2, 2020
for me its the fact that tyler just admitted he saw our tweets asking him to use his platform but didn't do anything
— carito (@WALLSCONFINED) September 2, 2020
imagine just imagine how much money you could’ve raised by sharing ONE LINK MAN.
— Theo (@sunnwillrise) September 2, 2020
we’re not asking you to become an activist. but please don’t mock the people who’ve been fighting for months, that was very VERY low and disrespectful in so many levels https://t.co/nGSLHb1O0D
ANYWAY see below for helpful carrds so we can show tyler joseph, a grown man, how to actually use his platform to help https://t.co/knGstBbyiC
— ella ᵇˡᵐ (@safetyIer) September 2, 2020
tyler joseph reading the
— sari (@FORMULADUN) September 2, 2020
tweeted caption pic.twitter.com/UV1QwWPrFC
Photo: Getty Images