Recently, Normani Kordei of Fifth Harmony shut down rumours and assumptions swirling around the Internet speculating that Fifth Harmony were going to break up. She assured fans that she is completely dedicated to her bandmates and their music. She told everybody to not pass judgement or make assumptions when you don’t know everything that goes on behind the scenes.
Most people supported her statement, and thanked her for putting a stop to those ridiculous rumours. Unfortunately, a group of people took this situation to a whole new level, and started to spew cruel hate geared towards Normani.
This hate went beyond spreading a petty rumour or trying to stir up drama. Over the past 48 hours, Normani received an influx of racist tweets and “horrific and racially charged” images. This is not something anyone, regardless of celebrity status, should have to deal with. Bullying and tormenting someone for their race is disgusting and unacceptable in any circumstance, and we’re glad Normani spoke up about it.
To my fans: pic.twitter.com/7yICp10G5Z
— Normani (@Normani) August 7, 2016
Normani made it clear that the people upsetting her weren’t those with differing opinions, or even those who simply dislike her. It was the people who chose to “hide behind a computer screen and put people down, especially for the colour of their skin.” Normani has been a strong advocate of the “Black Lives Matter” movement, and has always been proud of her race. Once again, she continues to advocate for love, respect and kindness towards everyone through the message she tweeted. She didn’t retaliate or fuel the negative energy, but consciously chose to be a better person.
Normani also did the right thing in choosing to take a break from Twitter, and it is something all of us can learn from. She’s telling us that if it’s in any way possible to distance yourself from a negative situation, toxic people, or both, you should take that opportunity. It gives you a break from the negativity you’re experiencing, and gives you a chance to regroup yourself and your mental state. It also gives the other party, in this case Normani’s bullies, the chance to rethink their actions, and possibly decide to apologize and correct the situation.
Normani’s bandmate, Camila Cabello, also weighed in on the situation via a rant on Twitter.
i stand by the words "love only", meaning I won't tolerate on my timeline any kind of hate, racism, or discrimination towards ANYONE. period
— camila (@Camila_Cabello) August 6, 2016
You don't have to hate on somebody else to support me- I don't appreciate it and it's not what I'm about.. Be kind or move on
— camila (@Camila_Cabello) August 6, 2016
I never go on rants like that but there's so much cruel stuff going on in the world right now- let's be part of the healing, not the problem
— camila (@Camila_Cabello) August 6, 2016
darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.
— camila (@Camila_Cabello) August 6, 2016
Camila advoacted for “love only”, and expressed her intolerance for any hate in our society. It’s so inspiring to see these women supporting each other unconditionally. They continue to rise above the silly rumours and nonexistent drama and show that they will always have each other’s backs.
The hashtag #WeLoveYouNormani was trending on Twitter earlier, and is full of love and support from Normani’s fans.
Take as long of a break as you need – your happiness is definitely the #1 priority. We love you ?? #WeLoveYouNormani
— 5H World News (@5HWorldNews) August 7, 2016
.@NormaniKordei remember that you are much loved and you are one of the most inspiring women in this world! We Love You #WeLoveYouNormani
— Camila Squad (@CcamilaSquad) August 7, 2016
No one deserves hate. No one deserves racism! #WeLoveYouNormani ?
— Lauren Jauregui Brasil (@laurencombr) August 7, 2016
https://twitter.com/cocainezayn/status/762087253971722240
We would like to thank Normani for once again speaking up for what she believes in, and inspiring others to do the same. We hope you don’t let these Twitter bullies get you down. Keep doing what you’re doing! In the lovely words of Martin Luther King:
Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.
Let us know your thoughts and opinions about this situation on Twitter @CelebMix.