By James Robert Shaw (The Wind Up Geek)
Ken Jennings, author of the Simon & Schuster children’s series, Junior Genius Guides, has recently been condemned over social media for a tweet that mentioned 11-year old Barron Trump, son of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Jennings’ tweet refered to a controversial photo snapped by celebrity photographer Tyler Shields. In it, comedian Kathy Griffin is posed with a bloody mask that bore a likeness to the U.S. President. The photo was first published on the internet by tabloid media site TMZ (due to it’s graphic nature we will instead post a link to the digitized version on CNBC). Griffin later posted videos of the Shields photo shoot via her Twitter feed but was quick to remove them after many condemned the photo. Griffin would later post a video of apology over both her Twitter and Facebook accounts.
I am sorry. I went too far. I was wrong. — Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) 30 May 2017
President Trump tweeted his displeasure at the whole affair.
Kathy Griffin should be ashamed of herself. My children, especially my 11 year old son, Barron, are having a hard time with this. Sick! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2017
Jennings has yet to remove the offending tweet or offer an apology. Trump’s eldest son, Trump Jr., has fired back his own tweet..
It takes a real man to pick on an 11 year old. Yet another low from the left, but they will rationalize this away with their usual excuses. — (@DonaldJTrumpJr) 31 May 2017
..only to have Jennings respond in kind.
Others have joined Trump Jr. in condemning the offensive tweet. Many are calling on international publishing house Simon & Schuster to release Kyle Jennings from his contract.
Robby Starbuck, Director & Executive Producer at RSM Creative. Father of three children.
I always try to be polite to people on here but this is a bridge too far. If this joke reflects who you are, you’re an ***hole. — (@robbystarbuck)
Frank Thorp V, Producer & Off-Air Reporter covering Congress at @NBCNews.
I’ll update my jokes if you stop making them about the President’s son being sad that he thought he saw his dead father… — (@frankthorp)
Joe “Big Joe” Dubin, Sports Caster at WSMV-TV, Channel 4 – Nashville.
You’re pathetic. Be thankful you aren’t saying that for my son. — (@BIGJOEONTHEGO)
Avery Gale, erotic romance author.
You write for children but obviously detest them. Hypocrisy at its worst. — (@avery_gale)
Christina Carrera, writer and photojournalist.
Replying to @Moxi_Mimi @ChristiChat and 3 others
You’d think they’d have a morality clause bc people are calling for a boycott of Simon & Schuster. Here’s another of @KenJennings’ tweets. — (@carrerapulse)
Jennings has a prior history of causing offense over social media.
And with that in mind, he may continue walking the edge of what many consider poor taste.
