Sarah Silverman responded to a sexist Twitter troll, and their conversation took a surprisingly heartwarming turn
Sarah Silverman is known for her bold and unflinching comedy. But recently, she popped up in the news for a surprisingly different reason: her kind and powerful response to a random Twitter troll who insulted her. In what can only be described as an act of bold love, Silverman read the user’s Twitter feed to try to figure out what might be making him so angry. From there, she replied to him with grace and humility.
The conversation started when Silverman tweeted an article about her attempts to understand Donald Trump supporters. The Twitter user, whose name is Jeremy Jamrozy, responded with a bit of vulgar slang. But instead of clapping back, Silverman gave everyone a lesson in how to handle Twitter trolls.
As it turns out, Jamrozy has severe back issues and is unable to work because of his pain. Then, in a heartbreaking admission, he told Silverman he was a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.
It’s true that no one’s pain excuses their bad behavior toward others (especially when it comes to attacking women online). That makes it particularly awesome that Silverman took the time to engage with a guy who was angry enough to hurl gendered insults at someone he’s presumably never met in person. Perhaps it was Silverman’s personal battles with depression that allowed her to recognize Jamrozy’s pain?
Now, not every interaction with a Twitter troll might have gone this way. But Silverman’s empowering advice about joining a support group clearly struck a chord with Jamrozy, and in time he apologized to her.
I will go. But I trust no one I've been burned so many times. I'd give the shirt off my back and everytime I get burned. I'm super antisocial. I have no friends. I'm sorry I gave u shit.
— Jeremy jamrozy (@jeremy_jamrozy) December 29, 2017
But Silverman didn’t stop there.
Instead, she asked her Twitter followers for recommendations on back specialists in San Antonio, where Jamrozy lives.
Yo SAN ANTONIO! Any kickass back/neck care specialists willing 2 help my friend @jeremy_jamrozy He has several slipped discs, no insurance, & can’t work bc of severe pain. Let’s get him back on his feet!! Who’s in?
— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) December 29, 2017
She even offered to pay Jamrozy’s medical bills in full so he could get back on his feet.
What’s the pricing? Can you give me the basic cost? Initial and then per session if someone has no insurance? I tried to call but they’re closed for he holidays.
— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) December 29, 2017
Not everyone can afford to provide financial support for a stranger in need.
But Silverman’s actions definitely showed that a kind word or two can go a long way.
Of course, internet anonymity means some people will remain emboldened to be mean, but Silverman took a chance and was able to make a sincere human connection with someone on the other end of a trolling tweet. That’s pretty awesome.
