The internet rips Joel Osteen for slow response to Houston's Harvey victims

'The Littlefinger of Houston.'
 By 
Brian Koerber
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo

Move over, Martin Shkreli. The internet has grabbed its pitchforks and has a new person to hate.

Televangelist Joel Osteen is now the target of a massive amount of online wrath after he was slow to help the citizens of Houston, where he owns a MEGACHURCH which can seat 16,000 people.

As it became clear that the city was experiencing devastating flooding from Harvey, the filthy rich preacher's Lakewood Church posted to Facebook on Sunday saying it was "inaccessible due to severe flooding!"

The fine citizens of Houston called out the church, posting pictures to social media that showed the church was not flooded.

While the church has since opened its doors to victims of the storm who've been displaced from their homes, the damage to Joel Osteen's reputation has been done -- and he's currently one of the most hated people on the internet.

Osteen is now officially the "Littlefinger of Houston."

His Wikipedia page was briefly updated to reflect how some felt about his actions.

The church was also criticized for using the disaster as a way to boost its donations.

There are memes.

And some even pointed out that Osteen has a private jet. Must come in handy when escaping disaster.

Others pointed out just how damn rich the man is.

The lessons here? Practice what your preach, or social media will shame you -- and they won't forget even after you try to right your wrong.

Topics Memes

photo of brian
Brian Koerber

Brian was the Culture Editor and has been working at Mashable on the web culture desk since 2014.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
How to watch Houston vs. Utah online for free
Houston Cougars guard Milos Uzan

How to watch Houston vs. Kansas State online for free
Houston Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp tries to save the ball

How to watch Arizona vs. Houston online for free
Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries shoots the ball

How to watch Colorado vs. Houston online for free
Cedric Lath and Chris Cenac Jr. of the Houston Cougars celebrate

John Oliver returns to 'Last Week Tonight' and rips into ICE and DHS
John Oliver presents "Last Week Tonight" beside an image of the DHS logo.

More in Science

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone


That wild 'Scarpetta' ending, explained
Bobby Cannavale as Pete Marino and Nicole Kidman as Dr. Kay Scarpetta.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!