Actress Rose McGowan, who’s been leading the Twitter crusade against Harvey Weinstein, was penalized by Twitter for posting a tweet about Weinstein that contained a private phone number – a violation of their Terms of Service. On Thursday morning, Oct 12, Twitter issued a statement that McGowan’s account would be temporarily frozen because of this violation.
We have been in touch with Ms. McGowan's team. We want to explain that her account was temporarily locked because one of her Tweets included a private phone number, which violates our Terms of Service. 1/3
— Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) October 12, 2017
This didn’t fly well with the Twitter community. The freeze manifested into a worldwide one-day Twitter boycott on Friday, Oct 13, with many users adopting the hashtag #WomenBoycottTwitter.
In solidarity with McGowan (a victim of Weinstein’s sexual transgressions), comedian Chelsea Handler, Emmy-nominated host Billy Eichner, and “Catfish” host Nev Schulman joined the protest.
#WomenBoycottTwitter because we deserve it and so does Twitter. Shame on you
— Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) October 13, 2017
Proudly joining #WomenBoycottTwitter for the next 24 hours even though Instagram doesn't properly capture my tone.
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) October 13, 2017
I stand proudly with women. #WomenBoycottTwitter pic.twitter.com/A1UtswSepj
— Nēv Schulman (@NevSchulman) October 13, 2017
(Although, it should be mentioned, Eichner broke his Twitter silence to post about President Trump addressing the Values Voter Summit, but he resumed his boycott soon after.)
Must take a break from #WomenBoycottTwitter as today Trump spoke to an overtly anti-LGBT hate group. Silence = Death. #Impeach https://t.co/ZhbYP3zard
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) October 13, 2017
