Fifth Harmony singer Normani Kordei is fighting back against Internet trolls who she claims have bullied her online in a racist manner.
In an emotional statement posted to her Twitter account on Saturday evening, the 20-year-old vocalist revealed she is … quitting Twitter.
Why? A relentless torrent of online hate, she says.
“Over the past four years of being in the public eye I’ve learned to grow a thick skin to critics and those who may not like me,” she wrote.
“I’ve never been one to deny anyone of their opinions.”
“But over the course of this last week and especially over the last 48 hours I’ve not just been cyber bullied, I’ve been racially cyberbullied.”
“With tweets and pictures,” she says, that are “so horrific and racially charged that I can’t subject myself any longer to the hate.”
Last week, Kordei addressed critics accusing Normani of throwing shade at one of her fellow Fifth Harmony members, Camila Cabello.
The accusation, which she denies, was that she deliberately took too long to say anything nice or genuine about her 19-year-old counterpart.
This was in response to a recent interview, and Kordei – prior to taking her leave of absence from social media – addressed the drama.
“I would like to address an issue that has been completely blown out of proportion,” the talented young Kordei wrote on Twitter Friday.
“It is a shame that after four years … I have to address foolishness manufactured by those that have absolutely no idea what goes on.”
“I have shown nothing but commitment for the success of Fifth Harmony [but] yet I always find myself as the target of unjust hate and slander.”
“It’s just not right.”
She added, as part of her latest announcement, “I’m not the first black female celebrity to deal with this and I’m sure I won’t be the last.”
“I want to take this moment to say Love goes much further than hate in this world,” she said, echoing the sentiments of so many lately.
“Hiding behind a computer and putting people down.”
“Especially for the color of their skin doesn’t make you cool, it makes you a coward! I have nothing but love for everyone, even my haters.”
“I hope I can lead by example. I also want to thank Twitter for immediately jumping into action when they were alerted to the situation.”
“I love you all!”
Shortly after Normani announced her Twitter exit, Cabello chimed in with a show of support, standing in solidarity with her bandmate.
She also offered her own criticism of online bullies:
“I stand by the words ‘love only’ meaning I won’t tolerate on my timeline any kind of hate, racism, or discrimination towards ANYONE. period.”
“You don’t have to hate on somebody else to support me … I don’t appreciate it and it’s not what I’m about,” Cabello urged.
“Be kind or move on.”
Words to live by.
