Daniel Radcliffe Laments "Heartbreaking" Recent Teen Suicides
Radcliffe
Posted by: Rosi
October 04, 2010, 07:46 PM
MTV has an article today with a written statement from Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter) in the wake of the recent suicides of Tyler Clementi and 13-year-old Seth Walsh.
The actor gave the following written statement to MTV News:
Learning about the suicide deaths of Tyler Clementi, Seth Walsh, Asher Walker, Billy Lucas and Justin Aaberg has been heartbreaking for me. These young people were bullied and tormented by people that should have been their friends. We have a responsibility to be better to each other, and accept each others' differences regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ability, or religion and stand up for someone when they're bullied.
Speaking further about the "responsibility to be better to each other," Radcliffe continued with some advice for those concerned about depressed and suicidal friends or family members:
When a friend is feeling depressed or says they're thinking of killing themselves, we must take it seriously and get them help. [...] My deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of these excellent young people. And to all the young people who are being bullied right now, you are not alone. Call the Trevor Lifeline at 866 4-U-TREVOR, because there's always someone there who will listen and who can help.
Dan Radcliffe has previously taken part in
a PSA for the Trevor Project and
spoke in February about his involvement with the nationwide suicide prevention telephone helpline for gay, lesbian,
bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) youth in the United
States. The 24/7 Trevor Helpline can be contacted in the United States by calling 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386).
105 Comments
88 Points
I love hime even more for this. Amazing.
4208 Points
Thank you for your stand, Daniel. If anyone out there is being bullied, tell someone! And keep telling people until someone helps you. No one deserves to be put down by bullies. If you are suicidal, please get help. The world needs caring individuals, and your families and friends need you.
41 Points
For a Young Celebrity to speak out about this problem, the epidemic that has been going on for eons, is wonderful, though sad, because it is going on. Bullying no matter what, or why is not right, it’s cowardice, plain and simple. I hope that everyone that gets caught bullying, gets expelled over and over again until they learn that such behavior is unacceptable. Just because a person is different is no excuse, none! I was bullied in school and its still with me. I am glad and grateful that Daniel Radcliffe spoke up and out about his support. Thank you!
49340 Points
The only thing is that half the people who say they are going to kill themselves are just seeking attention an/or want to be dramatic. Also, I know this will be a contraversial issue (but here goes), I don;t agree with suicide, no matter what the circumstances are. I don’t care if you’re being bullied or if you’ve been through some other sort of hardship, they’re is no excuse for it…
254 Points
Thank you so much, Daniel Radcliffe. This means so much to the lgbtq community, so much more than I think people realize, because any support at all helps. People struggling through bullying in high school are looking up to you for this, and it’s wonderful to know someone of such a caliber really cares.
1072 Points
thank you dan for helping spread awareness of the horrors that occur to our friends in the community who are bullied for being themselves.
1072 Points
It is not right for people to treat others in such horrendous ways!
62 Points
I am extremely hopeful, since these horrible events are gaining so much publicity. One of my professors is connected to Tyler Clementi and the issue affects me strongly. I’m proud that a stand can come from someone connected to us, and let’s hope that the fact this is coming to public attention means that people will actively try to stop it.
36 Points
It’s good to see someone who is so very much loved with teens and young adults taking a stand. WTG Dan
1466 Points
It’s really awfull when someone kills themselves and I think it’s great that there are people trying to help.
27626 Points
@MJBDE 15, I think your comments are very naive and very hurtful. You obviously have no idea of the depths of depression that bullying can cause. sometimes people end up feeling like there is nowhere left to go, no one they can turn to who will understand the things they are feeling and people who hold the kind of views that you express are part of the problem too, that lack of understanding is part of what makes those who are deeply depressed and suicidal feel so isolated.
Dan is such a decent and good person, to speak up time and again over these kinds of issues, you can tell that it really matters to him, he has the ability to empathise and truly wants to make people aware. Discrimination is a terrible thing and there are so many people who use differences to pick on others causing untold grief and despair. Thank you Dan for caring.
10915 Points
Well said, Moglet.
59 Points
this is what celebrities should be doing! i totally agree with smitch!
4881 Points
Reading this article makes me think of so many things I could write, but it would be quite long, so I’ll just say this. If anyone is being bullied, you aren’t alone – there are people who will help you. Don’t be afraid to seek help.
And my thoughts go to the families of all the children who have commited suicide because someone else made them feel like they had no future in this world.
I love hime even more for this. Amazing.