Sen. Katie Britt sharply rebuked commentator Aaron Rupar after he mocked her for not smiling during a TV segment about teen suicides tied to social media. Britt called out Big Tech for prioritizing profit over youth safety and quoted alarming statistics: one in three high‑school young women considered suicide last year; 25% made a plan; and 13% attempted suicide (9% when including young men). She urged immediate legislative action and praised Australia’s restrictions for under‑16s.
“Shame On You”: Sen. Katie Britt Slams Influencer For Mocking Her While Discussing Teen Suicides
Senator Katie Britt (R‑Ala.) pushed back sharply against liberal commentator Aaron Rupar on Wednesday after Rupar mocked her facial expression during a television segment about social media and youth suicide.
On X, Rupar posted a 13‑second clip of Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer introducing Britt, writing that “somebody told Katie Britt to not smile all the time on TV so now she’s overcorrecting.” Britt responded directly on the platform, emphasizing the seriousness of the topic she was addressing.
“Parents who lost their children aren’t laughing or making quips. Shame on you. Do better.”
During the Fox News segment, Britt discussed Australia’s move to restrict social media access for children under 16 and warned that tech companies often prioritize profit over young users’ safety. She cited troubling U.S. statistics on teen mental health and suicide: last year, one in three high‑school young women said they had considered suicide; 25% of those young women said they had made a plan; and 13% reported attempting suicide. When boys are included, she said the overall attempt rate rises to about 9%.
Britt asked how many grieving parents must testify before lawmakers take meaningful action and urged Congress to move swiftly. She praised Australia for taking steps to protect the next generation and reiterated calls for reforms targeting Big Tech and social media platforms.
Context: The exchange highlights the tension between public commentary on politicians’ demeanor and the underlying policy debate over social media’s impact on youth mental health. Britt framed her response as a defense of grieving parents and a call to prioritize children's safety over corporate profits.
Original coverage via Mediaite.
