MMA’s Angela Lee slams online bullying after ‘Terrace House’ star’s death
MMA fighter Angela Lee urged social media users to “think twice before you speak” after the death of a young wrestler and TV star who was targeted by online abuse.
Lee, the ONE Championship atomweight title-holder, said she wished she’d been able to help Hana Kimura, who appeared in Japanese reality show “Terrace House” on Netflix.
Article continues after this advertisementKimura, 22, died last month in an apparent suicide, prompting calls in Japan for tougher measures against cyberbullying.
“Constantly being in the public eye will put a lot of pressure on anyone,” wrote Lee, 23, on Instagram.
“Now add people’s judgments, criticism, ignorant comments, hateful comments… That’s enough to push anyone over the edge.”
Article continues after this advertisementLee, who is of Korean and Singaporean descent, warned that harsh words can “destroy” lives, and said everyone needs to be careful when posting online.
“I don’t understand why people feel the need to spread negativity and ill wishes to another person, whom they have never even met,” she wrote.
“Your words can uplift and heal someone but they can also knock down and destroy someone. Please, think twice before you speak. It could save someone’s life.”
Kimura’s last post on Instagram was a picture of herself and a cat with the message: “I love you, have a long, happy life. I’m sorry.”
In South Korea, cyberbullying made headlines last year when two female K-pop stars committed suicide after facing online attacks. NVG
RELATED STORIES:
Pro wrestler, Netflix reality show star Hana Kimura dead at 22
‘Terrace House’ season canceled after death of cast member Hana Kimura
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). Their crisis hotlines are available at 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free), 0917-899-USAP (8727), 0966-351-4518, and 0908-639-2672. For more information, visit their website: (https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline)
Alternatively, you can contact Hopeline PH at the following numbers: 0917-5584673, 0918-8734673, 88044673. Additional resources are available at ngf-mindstrong.org, or connect with them on Facebook at Hopeline PH.