On the evening fifteen tornadoes hit the Dayton, Ohio region, Meteorologist Jamie Simpson did not falter after “Bachelorette” fans blasted him on social media for covering the dangerous and life-risking storms that interrupted the new episode of the hit TV series.
Simpson reacted on live television to these comments, stating:
“We have viewers complaining already: ‘Just go back to the show.’ No, we’re not going back to the show, folks. This is a dangerous situation, OK? Think about if this was your neighborhood. I’m sick and tired of people complaining about this. Our job here is to keep people safe and that is what we’re going to do. Some of you complain this is all about my ego. Stop. Just stop right now. It’s not. I’m done with you people, I really am. Pathetic.”
Shortly after, he apologized and explained how it bothered him that people didn’t show any care or concern for other people’s safety. And personally, I agree with him. It is his job to protect the people of the community when it comes to hazardous and unavoidable weather systems.
Related Stories:
- How is Sinclair Contributing to Dayton Tornado Recovery?
- May 27th Tornadoes Wreak Havoc in Dayton
- Boil Advisory Issued After Tornado Touches Down
Some of the comments that were trending on Twitter from “Bachelorette” fans were, in my opinion, obscene and senseless.
“The fact that the weatherman is still talking about this tornado warning is beyond rude and disrespectful because I have missed 34 minutes of the bachelorette.” Said one twitter user.
“I’d rather unexpectedly get hit by a tornado than to have a 40 minute news break during the bachelorette #imsomad.” Said another.
Although I understand the frustration one may face when their favorite show is being interrupted by weather updates. I think it’s an entirely different story if one is disregarding the true danger that these people were facing. Thousands lost everything, yet all these people cared about was missing an episode of a simple TV show.
The following day, rescue missions were sent for the missing and people were scavenging through their flattened homes. Meanwhile, “Bachelorette” fans were scrolling through their phones looking for ways to bash the man who was trying to help keep these people safe, which is disturbing.
Like me, there were many who were supportive of Simpson. Many meteorologists came to his defense, one saying “That is what we’re supposed to do, it’s TV vs. real life.”
Although I couldn’t find a direct source, I heard from a few different people that T-shirts with Jamie Simpson on it accompanied by his words “I’m Done with You People” were being sold, with the proceeds going to tornado relief efforts.
I have watched Jamie Simpson report the weather ever since I can remember and watching how readily he would defend the people of Dayton evoked emotion in me. It was difficult to see how people were personally attacking him just because he was doing the job he is so passionate about.
Yasel Rosado
Reporter