While I’m all for freedom of speech, people must learn that freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences. Your words may elicit a negative reaction from someone else.
And if they do, can you really blame the other person?
On Nov. 2, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce was walking the streets of Penn State University after watching its Saturday football game. He was bombarded with students and fans asking him for pictures and yelling at him. One student in particular took things a step further.
He followed Kelce shouting “Kelce! How does it feel your brother’s a faggot dating Taylor Swift?” Kelce then took the phone out of the student’s hand and smashed it on the ground, yelling back “Who’s the faggot now?”
The initial interaction — as well as Kelce’s reaction — has sparked an overwhelming amount of controversy on social media, especially TikTok. Many believe that the student had it coming, while others believe the destruction of property was too far. Many are upset with Kelce for yelling the homophobic slur back.
Under @shailyusa’s TikTok post, people left comments saying Kelce owes the student a new phone, that as a public figure, he should set a better example and that he is a grown man who shouldn’t have escalated the situation. Some members of the LGBTQ+ community feel Kelce’s defense was directed more at his brother than at the offensive language, and that using the slur — even in anger — still stings.
As someone a part of the LGBTQ+ community, Kelce’s use of the word doesn’t bother me that much. It’s clear to me that he only used it because the student said it first and there wasn’t any malicious intent toward the community. He was showing that words and actions have consequences. It was clearly the heat of the moment, and he was defending his family.
Kelce does have an overwhelming amount of supporters, as comments under @gabetothejordan’s TikTok video say things like “Slay” and “Jason Kelce for president.”
I don’t really understand why people go out of their way to disrespect Taylor Swift. It’s fine if you don’t like her music, nobody is making you listen to it. But going after someone and harassing them and then playing the victim when they retaliate is absurd — especially when you don’t even know which Kelce brother you were talking to.
Kelce could’ve reacted in a worse way. However, he did show some regret in a comment under an Instagram post while standing his ground.
“I probably got too mad, but I don’t agree with that kinda language and to speak about my family that way man,” Kelce wrote.
It’s refreshing to see Kelce setting boundaries with his supporters. Ignoring the student’s behavior could’ve sent a message that it’s OK for fans to approach celebrities with vulgar comments. Celebrities are often harassed or even bullied under the guise of “fan interactions,” and setting clear boundaries is sometimes necessary.
There’s a fine line between practicing free speech and inciting violence, and if you don’t believe the student crossed that line, you’re part of the problem too.
It’s 2024. It’s disheartening people my age are using anti-gay speech and think they’ll get away with it. If you were in a similar situation, I’m sure you’d want to do more than smash the other person’s phone. I know I would.
