This week, an anonymous person or persons put up posters around Columbia University emblazoned with the image of student Emma Sulkowicz and her now-iconic mattress. The posters, which were put up to coincide with graduation, accuse Sulkowicz of making it all up, dismissing her as "Pretty Little Liar" with the caption "Emma Sulkowitz" [sic] and "RapeHoax."
There was speculation that professional Twitter troll Charles C. Johnson (if that name isn't familiar, then you're living a better life than us) was behind the stunt, or possibly involved in some capacity. Despite some questionable Tweets (as he put it, "I admit it's a weird series of coincidences.") in the days before the posters went up (see below), Johnson has denied any connection to it.
Wouldn't it be great if tomorrow the butt slut #EmmaSulkowicz got handcuffed for her crimes of #FakeRape on stage, instead of a diploma?
— Charles C. Johnson (@ChuckCJohnson) May 20, 2015
Hmm, I wonder who's behind the harassment stunt at @Columbia today http://t.co/ww6II2zaTV @Jezebel @annamerlan pic.twitter.com/1vNFgiC4eZ
— William Gerrard (@Bill_Gerrard) May 20, 2015
.@annamerlan I own http://t.co/si6GuTdE31 and I have said some stuff about fake rape. I wish I could hire the people who did it.
— Charles C. Johnson (@ChuckCJohnson) May 21, 2015
It seems some people still are convinced he was involved though, as a new series of posters were put up in the Columbia University area early this morning of Johnson with his Twitter handle and the phrase, "Public Pooper." For anyone who isn't familiar with the meaning of that phrase, just know that even if Johnson isn't involved in this current "Fake Rape" postering, this couldn't have happened to a nicer person (who allegedly can't control his sphincter).
Someone just anonymously emailed me photos of this loving public tribute. You guys are getting wild out there. pic.twitter.com/fsrtVykocn
— Anna Merlan (@annamerlan) May 23, 2015
Actually, it's not just Morningside Heights: Zach Schonfeld spotted one of the posters "on the 2/3 train platform at 14th Street. No clue who put it there."
Johnson hasn't directly addressed the fliers yet, but he did go on a long tweet-rant about the maliciousness of "Social Justice Warriors" (SJW) last night. Some highlights below.
If you are in a position of power do not hire SJWs. If you must work with them, do not give them power & work to get them fired.
— Charles C. Johnson (@ChuckCJohnson) May 23, 2015
#SJWs are a new religion. They have martyrs (I.e black criminals killed by police) & saints (unaccomplished professional activists). Dissent
— Charles C. Johnson (@ChuckCJohnson) May 23, 2015
The SJWs have an inverted view of the world. They bully but think themselves the victim. Do not reason. Give them something to worry about.
— Charles C. Johnson (@ChuckCJohnson) May 23, 2015
Trolling is just another word for commanding attention. Once you have attention use it to advance your position over your enemies.
— Charles C. Johnson (@ChuckCJohnson) May 23, 2015
The SJWs have lied to try to define me in the press. This, too, has been a part of my strategy. All will be revealed in the fullness of time
— Charles C. Johnson (@ChuckCJohnson) May 23, 2015
There's nothing wrong with being white. White people have done some of the most amazing things in the history of the species. Celebrate them
— Charles C. Johnson (@ChuckCJohnson) May 23, 2015
Never forget that SJWs would kill you if they could. Arm yourselves mentally, digitally, figuratively and literally. Practice your arms.
— Charles C. Johnson (@ChuckCJohnson) May 23, 2015