Jason Russell - not the kind of guy you want teaching your kids about 'ethics'
But, as Jezebel's own Erin Gloria Ryan put it, "Wasn't the entire Kony 2012 campaign essentially this white guy masturbating in public?"
According to TMZ, Russell was dancing around wearing "speedo-like underwear," which he eventually removed to make "sexual gestures." They're also reporting that Russell may be hospitalized for up to 3 days "to determine if he represents a threat to either himself or others."
On his nonprofit's website, Russell describes himself as a "grand storyteller and dreamer," as well as a Christian who wants to have nine more children with his wife, who is his "best friend for over 23 years." There are no words.
Invisible Children's CEO Ben Keesey released a statement via NBC, saying:
"Jason Russell was unfortunately hospitalized yesterday suffering from exhaustion, dehydration, and malnutrition. He is now receiving medical care and is focused on getting better. The past two weeks have taken a severe emotional toll on all of us, Jason especially, and that toll manifested itself in an unfortunate incident yesterday. Jason's passion and his work have done so much to help so many, and we are devastated to see him dealing with this personal health issue. We will always love and support Jason, and we ask that you give his entire family privacy during this difficult time."
Four hours ago, Invisible Children tweeted: "Judging a person does not define who they are. It defines who you are," saying it was "some wisdom for your Friday." Interesting PR strategy? Jason Russell's Facebook wall, however, isn't looking so good.
5:55 EST: The SDPD will not charge Russell with a crime for yesterday's incident, according to TMZ.
6:30 EST: TMZ somehow got their hands on video footage. It is horrifying. No wonder the guy's on a 5150 psychiatric hold.
Kony 2012 Co-founder Arrested for Masturbating in Public [UPDATED]
We're not sure how to adequately express our shock and disbelief at the news that Jason Russell, one of Invisible Children's co-founders and the star of the Kony 2012 campaign, was taken into custody last night for drunkenly masturbating in public.
But, as Jezebel's own Erin Gloria Ryan put it, "Wasn't the entire Kony 2012 campaign essentially this white guy masturbating in public?"
According to TMZ, Russell was dancing around wearing "speedo-like underwear," which he eventually removed to make "sexual gestures." They're also reporting that Russell may be hospitalized for up to 3 days "to determine if he represents a threat to either himself or others."
On his nonprofit's website, Russell describes himself as a "grand storyteller and dreamer," as well as a Christian who wants to have nine more children with his wife, who is his "best friend for over 23 years." There are no words.
UPDATE: Invisible Children's CEO Ben Keesey released a statement via NBC, saying:
"Jason Russell was unfortunately hospitalized yesterday suffering from exhaustion, dehydration, and malnutrition. He is now receiving medical care and is focused on getting better. The past two weeks have taken a severe emotional toll on all of us, Jason especially, and that toll manifested itself in an unfortunate incident yesterday. Jason's passion and his work have done so much to help so many, and we are devastated to see him dealing with this personal health issue. We will always love and support Jason, and we ask that you give his entire family privacy during this difficult time."I think the articles that I read, including ABC make it seem like he went out last night and got St. Patty's Day drunk (not unlike last night's 30 Rock episode) when really it looked like some sort of mental breakdown in the middle of the day in a pretty residential neighborhood.
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