Twenty One Pilots' Tyler Joseph has issued an apology after facing criticism for seemingly joking about fans asking him to use his platform to speak out about Black Lives Matter and other social justice issues. "you guys keep asking me to use my platforms. feels good to dust these bad boys off," Joseph initially tweeted alongside photos of him wearing platform shoes.
https://twitter.com/tylerrjoseph/status/1301265619724177409
Following a significant backlash on social media from those who perceived the joke to be insensitive, Joseph posted a series of tweets about mental health and suicide prevention. "mentally/emotionally, i can only carry so much, because what i do care about is so heavy, the thought of adding more on top of it makes me want to stop trying," he wrote. "but we can never stop trying."
"i respect all the warriors out there fighting for different causes," he continued. "there is honor in it, purpose, and it can make our world better. i just want to remind you what i’m fighting for: your mental health is more important today than it ever has been. you’re not alone." He then clarified that "this isn’t a notes app moment" and said he was "doubling down" on his "fantastic" platform tweet.
your own mental health should always be a priority.
— tyler jøseph (@tylerrjoseph) September 2, 2020
i’m amazed at how easy it is to forget that simple fact.
it’s something that can sneak up on you, then eventually you check in on it and realize it’s in really bad shape.
i’m trying to cut through to who really needs to hear this.
— tyler jøseph (@tylerrjoseph) September 2, 2020
this is tough, but it’s not hopeless.
fighting for your mental health is not public, it’s not glorious, it’s not even interesting, but it’s the greatest challenge you will face.
i use music, humor, being alone, breaks from social media, family, uncomfortable and honest conversations with friends, and sometimes crying.
— tyler jøseph (@tylerrjoseph) September 2, 2020
a few tools, but they don’t all work for everyone. find what helps you take back ground lost.
i really don’t know if i can even handle everything that’s happening right now. the scariest place to be is when you find yourself in a spot where you can’t find an answer to the question, “what’s the point?”
— tyler jøseph (@tylerrjoseph) September 2, 2020
there has to be a point.
according to the world health organization:
— tyler jøseph (@tylerrjoseph) September 2, 2020
Close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds.
according to American Foundation of Suicide Prevention:
On average, there are 132 suicides per day.
mentally/emotionally, i can only carry so much, because what i do care about is so heavy, the thought of adding more on top of it makes me want to stop trying.
— tyler jøseph (@tylerrjoseph) September 2, 2020
but we can never stop trying.
this site, along with many others, has been a guide. it’s not perfect, but it’s the right direction.https://t.co/AEhYahsYXG
— tyler jøseph (@tylerrjoseph) September 2, 2020
starting September 6th is national suicide prevention awareness week.
— tyler jøseph (@tylerrjoseph) September 2, 2020
what does that mean exactly? i don’t know. but if it can get a single person’s attention at the right time, it’s everything.#keepgoing
i respect all the warriors out there fighting for different causes.
— tyler jøseph (@tylerrjoseph) September 2, 2020
there is honor in it, purpose, and it can make our world better.
i just want to remind you what i’m fighting for:
your mental health is more important today than it ever has been.
you’re not alone.
you don’t know what someone else is going through.
— tyler jøseph (@tylerrjoseph) September 2, 2020
what other invisible weights they may be struggling to carry.
keep that in mind as you go about your interactions.
and take care of yourself, please.
https://twitter.com/tylerrjoseph/status/1301308288601067520
Eventually, though, after sparking a conversation about whether or not artists actually have a responsibility to use their platform to address important issues, he did offer an apology. "my tweet wasn’t suppose to be about human rights," Joseph said. "so in case you are wondering where i stand: Black Lives Matter."
"i just wanted to take a moment to raise awareness about something else that has meant a lot to me for a long time. but now I see there is no room for that right now," he added. "im truly sorry if it hurt anyone." He concluded by sharing a link to Black Lives Matter's "Ways You Can Help" page.
im truly sorry if it hurt anyone.
— tyler jøseph (@tylerrjoseph) September 3, 2020
here is a link with a lot of great info that i stand by.https://t.co/ItppMmW1u8
