C.J. Pearson, the Georgia 12-year-old who became Internet-famous after posting a viral video criticizing President Barack Obama and his perceived weak stance toward the Islamic State group, or ISIS, now believes that he was targeted and kicked off Facebook for his political views, MyFoxDC reports.
Days after posting his video, which got almost 1.5 million hits, C.J. realized that he could no longer log on to Facebook and became frustrated—and furious.
“The First Amendment is very clear. We have a right to express our opinions regardless of who might disagree. And to silence that voice is a violation of that amendment,” he told the news station.
C.J. drew attention last week when he posted a video to YouTube in support of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and the former politician’s criticism of Obama. “If you loved America, President Obama you wouldn’t try to take away what hardworking Americans have worked for their entire lives,” the young boy said in his video.
He also praised Giuliani for “calling [Obama] out on his downright hatred of America,” adding, “I applaud him for his comments and definitely do hope that one day other people will get enough guts to speak out against your downright hatred for this country.”
However, according to MyFoxDC, Facebook says that it removed the preteen from Facebook not because of his politics but, rather, because of his age. Facebook states that to join, you have to be at least 13 years old.
“I would consider that complete malarkey,” the 12-year-old countered. “Because in all honesty, there are many, many people younger than me who have a Facebook [account].”
Still, the lack of access isn’t going to deter the young boy. “I will not stop here,” he told the news station. “You cannot silence a voice that deserves to be heard. And I will continue to make as many accounts as possible.”
Read more at MyFoxDC.
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