Marka/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesTwenty One Pilots frontman Tyler Joseph was trending on Twitter last night after posting a controversial tweet about using his “platform.”
Wednesday evening, Joseph tweeted, “You guys keep asking me to use my platforms” in apparent response to fans asking him to use his position as a famous musician to speak up about the Black Lives Matter movement. However, instead of using his metaphorical “platform,” Joseph shared a photo of him wearing giant platform shoes.
“Feels good to dust these bad boys off,” he added.
As many fans tweeted in response that the joke was insensitive and inappropriate, Joseph followed up his original tweet by sharing his thoughts on the importance of mental health leading up to National Suicide Prevention Week, which begins September 6.
“I respect all the warriors out there fighting for different causes,” he wrote. “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.”
Joseph later declared that he’s “doubling down” on his “platform” tweet — “It was fantastic,” he said — and added that it “wasn’t suppose[d] to be about human rights.”
“In case you are wondering where I stand: Black Lives Matter,” he wrote. “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.”
“I’m truly sorry if it hurt anyone,” Joseph concluded. He also shared a link to a site offering ways to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
If you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide, or worried about a friend or loved one, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 [TALK] for free confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Even if it feels like it, you are not alone.
By Josh Johnson
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
