It was premiere night and Zoey was nervous. Her new movie, a remake of Jaws, was already getting panned by critics. It’d seemed like a good career move. Quality roles for actresses of color were rare, plus her character delivered the movie’s iconic line, We’re gonna need a bigger boat. But, the backlash was swift. Twitter was bombarded with hatred – racist memes, messages, videos – all targeting her. She hadn’t left her home for days.
The car stopped. She wiped her wet eyes and emerged with a luminous smile. The fans were calling her name.
For Friday Fictioneers.
Inspired by the most recent attack on the actress and comedian, Leslie Jones.
Jennifer Terry 
I think it is awful, anyone with any amount of online presence, has to deal with trolls and haters. How brave of her to smile despite such cruelty.
I agree. Thanks for reading.
Good story. I was interested in knowing more, so definitely a success!
That makes me happy to hear!
Gosh. Very topical. Hatred of women of any colour I will never understand. Let alone online bullies with little but time on their hands spewing forth hatred. Boggles the mind.
I agree. So nasty and uncalled for. Thanks for reading.
Fantastic story! While I personally think a remake of Jaws sounds like a terrible idea, bullying people for being in movies is pathetic and the people who’ve done things like that (especially in regards to Ghostbusters and Leslie Jones) need to take a long hard look at how they’re wasting their lives on spewing vile nonsense. Your story does a great job of dealing with this issue.
Thank you so much. I agree, I’m sick of the remakes too and have no problem voicing my opinion when I think a movie is terrible, but people should focus on the movie, not attacking the actors personally. Thanks so much for reading and for getting it.
A story of our times, sadly. Bullying isn’t confined to the schoolyard.
Sadly true. Thanks for reading.
Wonderful wonderful story Jenn! I love how she overcame it all at the end!
Down with trolls! 🙂
Thank you!
I agree!! Down with trolls!!
I’m glad she had a happy ending, although remaking Jaws is a bad idea! Great take on the prompt though. Well done.
I agree, a Jaws remake is an AWFUL idea! Thank you 🙂
I guess when the trolls attacks the worst there are real fans too…
Yes, that’s the beautiful thing about it, all the support people get when things like this happen. Thanks for reading!
Some people can be so nasty. It says more about them though.
I agree! It shows their lack of empathy and humanity. Thanks for reading!
Very timely and true. It’s good she’s aware of her many (quiet) fans. The ghost busters/Leslie Jones hate is just awful.
Thanks so much. Yes, it’s sickening people are still behaving this way in 2016.
What is it that makes (stupid) people think hatred somehow doesn’t count if it’s posted online. You wouldn’t say these things to someone’s face, so don’t say them online either. The Ghostbusters backlash was awful. Okay, I didn’t think it was a good as the original, but it certainly had nothing to do with the fact the leads were female. A depressing amount of hatred for women in the public eye – those who dare to be seen, to lead, to speak.
A wise, sad and well told story, Jenn
Thanks so much. I’m also tired of the remakes and didn’t even watch the movie, but if you don’t like the movie, focus on that, not the personal attacks.
Absolutely. It’s sad, devisive and lazy too – much easier to insult people than to analyse the work
Reblogged this on Secret Admirer Society.