TelegraphEmma Watson pissed off a lot of people last night when she used Twitter to commemorate the death of her friend and fellow actor Alan Rickman.
Watson was accused of exploiting the death of Mr Rickman when she posted his image superimposed with a quote of his, in which he discusses feminism.
The actress tweeted: “There is nothing wrong with a man being a feminist, I think it is to our mutual advantage.”
#alanrickman pic.twitter.com/4WXwnoUtM7
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) January 14, 2016
However, Twitter users were quick to jump on Watson – a UN goodwill ambassador and the pioneer of the UN’s feminist ‘HeForShe’ campaign – for allegedly ‘using Rickman’s death to further her own agenda’.
Trolls on social media weren’t shy about expressing their distaste for Emma’s tweet, either…
https://twitter.com/caustinray72/status/687672235746836482
https://twitter.com/inaquii/status/687676119059808256
@EmWatson well that was distastefully opportunistic of you…
— NorBdelta (@NorBdelta) January 14, 2016
@EmWatson Using a man's death to push an agenda is pretty low.
— IWANTOUT (@xtechnoviking) January 14, 2016
https://twitter.com/CmdrRostov/status/687674929924325376
I love you Emma Watson but don't use his death to push your feminist agenda. No better than democratic politicians https://t.co/mqSQgkDDCx
— Taylor Sanders (@tayman47) January 14, 2016
https://twitter.com/1984WS1/status/687777597464440836
The Harry Potter actress also paid tribute to Rickman on Facebook, saying:
I’m very sad to hear about Alan today. I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor. I’ll really miss our conversations. RIP Alan. We love you.
The tweet in question, however, was just one of several Watson made about Rickman’s passing. The actress also tweeted quotes from him about life and acting, as well as a personal statement regarding his death.
#AlanRickman pic.twitter.com/NFyKKsVhpJ
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) January 14, 2016
Whether you agree with Emma Watson‘s decision to tweet THAT particular quote or not, it’s safe to assume that she had good intentions – and that Mr Rickman, himself an ardent proponent of gender equality, would be proud of the legacy he’s left behind, and what Emma is doing to further hers.
More of a concept than a journalist, Tom Percival was forged in the bowels of Salford University from which he emerged grasping a Masters in journalism.
Since then his rise has been described by himself as ‘meteoric’ rising to the esteemed rank of Social Editor at UNILAD as well as working at the BBC, Manchester Evening News, and ITV.
He credits his success to three core techniques, name repetition, personality mirroring, and never breaking off a handshake.