The Haitian Times, an online news publication covering the Haitian community in the United States, has been harassed and intimidated after reporting on a fake story about immigrants in Ohio eating the pets of local residents. One editor was swatted, with police responding to a false report of a gruesome crime at her home. Due to threats and vile posts, the news site canceled a community forum in Springfield, Ohio and disabled public comments on the story.
Despite facing hundreds of racist messages and threats, the Haitian Times is standing firm in debunking and covering the aftermath of the fake story. Publisher Garry Pierre-Pierre emphasized the importance of telling the truth without fear or favor, stating that the site will not back down. The Times, which was founded 25 years ago and transitioned to online-only in 2012, continues to report on issues impacting first- and second-generation Haitians in the US.
Special projects editor Macollvie Neel experienced firsthand the consequences of the harassment, as police arrived at her home following a false report. Neel received hateful messages prior to the incident, indicating a premonition of potential harm. She described the situation as a new form of domestic terrorism and emphasized the need to address it as such. The Committee to Protect Journalists has offered support and condemned the harassment, calling it outrageous and alarming.
The harassment of the Haitian Times journalists is seen as retaliation for their coverage of the fake story about immigrants in Ohio. While the site had been reporting on the influx of immigrants to the Midwest prior to the controversy, the recent events have highlighted the challenges faced by newcomers in the US. The support from various organizations and fellow journalists has been encouraging, with activists and advocates stepping in to assist Springfield residents impacted by the false narrative.
Journalist Kathryn Jacobsen from the Committee to Protect Journalists described the situation as particularly acute, emphasizing the need to address such harassment of journalists. Pierre-Pierre expressed gratitude for the support received from colleagues in the media industry, including those from his previous workplace at The New York Times. The Haitian Times remains committed to its mission of reporting the truth and shedding light on issues affecting the Haitian community in the US.
In the face of ongoing threats and intimidation, the Haitian Times continues to uphold its journalistic integrity and commitment to truth-telling. Publisher Garry Pierre-Pierre, a former reporter at The New York Times, emphasized the importance of remaining resilient in the face of adversity. The site’s coverage of the influx of immigrants to the Midwest and the support received from various organizations demonstrate the impact of responsible journalism in challenging times. The harassment faced by the Haitian Times journalists serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists reporting on sensitive issues.
