David Leavitt: Reporter Under Attack For Jokes About Manchester Bombing Following Ariana Grande Concert


David Leavitt, whose Twitter profile states that he is a freelance writer for CBS as well as several other media outlets, is feeling the heat this morning as a result of tweets he made immediately following news of the bombing that took place following Ariana Grande’s Manchester concert last night.

Around 10:35 p.m. on Monday night, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device near one of the exits at the Manchester Arena in Britain. Within minutes, Leavitt tweeted a message that he has since deleted.

“MULTIPLE CONFIRMED FATALITIES at Manchester Arena. The last time I listened to Ariana Grande I almost died too.”

Attacks on his comments came fast and furious, including some advising him to delete his tweet.

“This is what the delete feature is for,” one said. Another warned of the reflection of the comment on him personally when they said, “Dude, no. Delete and sincerely apologise [sic] to save yourself a shred of grace and dignity.” David did not heed those requests, however, but instead continued tweeting.

Leavitt’s Twitter profile indicates that he writes for CBS, Yahoo!, AXS, and the Examiner among others. As the storm of attacks on his comments grew, some Twitter users called out these corporations, insisting that they condemn his comments. AXS denied any association, past or present, with David.

It’s not clear this morning whether this is true or not, however, because a profile of David Leavitt can be found on the AXS website. CBS News also tweeted that he is not employed by them, although there have been reports that he is employed by CBS Boston. Neither the Examiner nor Yahoo! has commented at this time.

https://www.facebook.com/theguardian/posts/10155458144181323

Leavitt eventually deleted the tweet but did not apologize for the comments that so many found offensive.

NBC News reported on the blast that killed 22 people and injured 59. Many others are unaccounted for at this time. The Manchester Arena can seat 21,000 people, making it the largest indoor arena in the United Kingdom and among the largest in Europe.

Investigators are currently looking at the incident as a terrorist act but have not yet determined whether the perpetrator acted alone or was part of a larger network. They believe they know the identity of the bomber, but have not released a name. The Guardian reported this morning that a 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the explosion. UK Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the attack in a speech this morning.

“This was among the worst terrorist incidents we have ever experienced in the United Kingdom. And, although it is not the first time Manchester has suffered in this way, it is the worst attack the city has experienced and the worst ever to hit the north of England…

“The explosion coincided with the conclusion of a pop concert, which was attended by many young families and groups of children.

“All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people but this attacks stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent, defenceless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives …”

As people and news outlets around the world condemn the attack and the attacker, and as so many look for answers amid the tragedy, David Leavitt’s Twitter activity pokes fun at those who commented on his controversial tweet from last night.

Ariana Grande is said to be highly upset about the incident and tweeted this last night.

https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/866849021519966208

TMZ reports that the 23-year-old pop star was “in hysterics” and has canceled the rest of her tour. She was scheduled to appear in England, Belgium, Poland, Germany, and Switzerland. Her manager issued a statement about the tragedy.

“We mourn the lives of children and loved ones taken by this cowardly act. We ask all of you to hold the victims, their families, and all those affected in your hearts and prayers.”

[Featured Image by Rui Vieira/AP Images]

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