Paul Feig and others call out hateful trolls who hacked Leslie Jones

Don't let the trolls win.
 By 
Tricia Gilbride
 on 
Paul Feig and others call out hateful trolls who hacked Leslie Jones
Credit: gregg deguire/getty

When hackers leaked the contents of Leslie Jones iCloud, including nude photos and scans of her passport and driver's license, their motives were clear.

The hack is more than just the gross violation of privacy that all people, especially women, have come to fear in the digital age. Jones has been repeatedly targeted for online harassment because she is a woman of color -- racist, sexist trolls hiding behind their screens see her success as a threat.

This summer's female reboot Ghostbusters was a particularly sore spot for sexist trolls, who did their best to make Jones' life hell all summer.


You May Also Like

The film's director, Paul Feig, called out the hackers on Twitter today after the news broke.

Eventually, the level of hateful tweets directed at Jones caused her to quit Twitter, but Jones came back after her fans stood by her. The incident caused Twitter to vow to do a better job at preventing harassment -- we'll see what change actually occurs. Twitter has made some strides, but the problem is nowhere near solved.

Jones returned to Twitter in full force, and her infectious exhilaration for the Olympics scored her an invite to the games. It was a perfect example of everything we miss out on when we're not vigilant about fighting hateful speech. Her tweets were a wildly entertaining expression of pure joy.

Fellow entertainers and fans alike are tweeting in solidarity with Jones, pointing out the importance of recognizing the hackers' intentions.

Jones has not tweeted since the leak took place -- her most recent tweet is a call for the best place in New York City to have a happy birthday.

Don't ruin her birthday, jerks.

Mashable Image
Tricia Gilbride

Tricia Gilbride was a Reporter for Mashable Watercooler. Tricia focused on the intersection of celebrity culture and the Internet. Previously, she worked as a fashion writer and a social media manager. She also edits Women-Artists.org, a blog and annual print publication, and looks exactly like her cat.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney has the internet in a chokehold
Paul McCartney on September 9, 1963

Who is the Super Bowl's Black national anthem singer Coco Jones?
Coco Jones

Jimmy Kimmel reacts to Jake Paul speaking at a Trump rally
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage looking unimpressed. The caption at the bottom reads, "Trump got a visit from a celebrity..."

'Daredevil: Born Again' Season 2 trailer reunites Matt Murdock and Jessica Jones
Charlie Cox in "Daredevil: Born Again."

The European Commission got hacked for the second time this year
Europe flag

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone


NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 2, 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!