.@exjon is giving a clinic on reverse-identity politics.
— Grant (@GrantGambling) November 30, 2016
Yes, he is. https://t.co/1le5QnCTFZ
— Safe Space Ekdahl ? (@JohnEkdahl) November 30, 2016
BuzzFeed’s currently nose-deep in a hot pile of their own steaming crap after publishing what can most charitably be described as a hit piece on “Fixer Upper” hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines. Editor in chief Ben Smith offered up a half-assed defense of writer Kate Aurthur’s smear job, but nobody’s really buying it. And why should they? It’s complete garbage.
Smith claims Aurthur and BuzzFeed tried to get answers from HGTV, but they never heard back. Apparently that was all the research they needed to run with their story.
(1) Target popular couple.
(2) Fail to ascertain their views.
(3) Publish piece anyway.How is this legitimate reporting @BuzzFeedBen? https://t.co/Ffp9dwUF6f
— Gabriel Malor (@gabrielmalor) November 30, 2016
@gabrielmalor @PaulSzoldra you believe that if someone declines to comment after extensive effort, that should shut down a story?
— Ben Smith (@BuzzFeedBen) November 30, 2016
@BuzzFeedBen Is there evidence that same-sex couples who want to be on the show are being turned away? If not I don't understand your point
— John Tabin (@johntabin) November 30, 2016
@johntabin we asked a really simple q and got no response. That is usually reason enough to write.
— Ben Smith (@BuzzFeedBen) November 30, 2016
@Olivianuzzi @BuzzFeedBen but as it’s written right now, it’s more of “their pastor said X” insinuating they may/may not agree 2/2
— Paul Szoldra (@PaulSzoldra) November 30, 2016
@PaulSzoldra @Olivianuzzi it doesn't insinuate. It says flatly that we called for 2 weeks and they didn't say
— Ben Smith (@BuzzFeedBen) November 30, 2016
"Their pastor considers homosexuality to be a "sin" caused by abuse — whether the Fixer Upper couple agrees is unclear." pic.twitter.com/BxC4WoBxaH
— Jason Howerton (@jason_howerton) November 30, 2016
Never let research get in the way of a good, old-fashioned witch hunt, right? If that philosophy is good enough for BuzzFeed, then, doggone-it, it should be good enough for all of us!
Twitchy pal and national treasure Jon Gabriel decided to give BuzzFeed a taste of what they’ve been dishing out:
Dear @KateAurthur: Did you single out the Chip and Joanna Gaines because you despise interracial couples? Need your response ASAP.
— jon gabriel (@exjon) November 30, 2016
Hmm, no comment from @KateAurthur. So there's a good chance she singled out Chip and Joanna Gaines because she despises interracial couples.
— jon gabriel (@exjon) November 30, 2016
Clock's ticking, Kate, chop chop.
.
.
.
Oh, no response? FULL SPEED AHEAD with the hit piece, @exjon https://t.co/Q0X17VNsrR— Cuffy (@CuffyMeh) November 30, 2016
I think @KateAurthur's refusal to respond to my journalistic inquiry speaks volumes. I hope @BuzzFeedBen can root out this hideous racism.
— jon gabriel (@exjon) November 30, 2016
@exjon @SuperAndrea @KateAurthur As a partner in an interracial marriage, this disturbs me. Why does @BuzzFeed hate interracial marriage?
— Collin O'Scopy (@Crapplefratz) November 30, 2016
STILL no response from @KateAurthur or @BuzzFeed. It's 2016, and they refuse to clarify their retrograde views on mixed-race relationships.
— jon gabriel (@exjon) November 30, 2016
With the majority of reality show stars being caucasian, why did lily-white @KateAurthur bully an interracial couple? I think we might know.
— jon gabriel (@exjon) November 30, 2016
@exjon as someone in an interracial marriage, it's disturbing that @KateAurthur hasn't answered this question yet. Any comment @BuzzFeedBen?
— Swanson Nation (@SwansonNation) November 30, 2016
Buzzfeed writer has not denied that hit piece was racially motivated. https://t.co/WbE4sK9CLD
— Real Howard Wall (@GatewayEcon) November 30, 2016
I guess some @BuzzFeed writers will just never accept a successful minority female business owner.
— jon gabriel (@exjon) November 30, 2016
Guess not. What a shame.
I've revised your article, @KateAurthur. pic.twitter.com/jx4Dn4JIiW
— jon gabriel (@exjon) November 30, 2016
— jon gabriel (@exjon) November 30, 2016
— jon gabriel (@exjon) November 30, 2016
You know what they say: What’s good for the goose …
— jon gabriel (@exjon) November 30, 2016
They haven't denied it or provided proof. https://t.co/eroPoRkzWX
— Stephen Miller (@redsteeze) December 1, 2016
What other possible conclusion can you draw? Except maybe for this one:
@BuzzFeedBen You now speak for Kate? Is that because you think women can't speak for themselves? @GatewayEcon @exjon @KateAurthur
— Wrecker (@Article58) November 30, 2016
No answer. @BuzzFeedBen doesn't think women can speak for themselves. https://t.co/GYUROJxdcw
— xo (@sirensoIiIoquy) November 30, 2016
Well, shoot.
***
Related:
BuzzFeed’s Ben Smith offers up B.S. defense for Chip and Joanna Gaines hit piece