The White House has condemned the online harassment against Tyler Cherry, a spokesperson for the Department of the Interior, orchestrated by Chaya Raichik through her Libs of TikTok account on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
The administration’s rebuke shines a light on the escalation of online vitriol by far-right extremists targeting individuals merely for their appearance and identities.
Cherry, a recent honoree in Forbes 2023 30 under 30 list, was targeted in a series of derogatory posts by Raichik. One post merely showcased Cherry’s official government portrait with the caption, “This is the Communications Director for the Secretary of Interior,” followed by, “Biden admin try not to hire total weirdos challenge = impossible.”
These remarks swiftly spiraled into a barrage of attacks on Cherry’s appearance and sexuality by other users on the platform.
“But wait…there’s more,” Raichik wrote alongside a photo of Cherry at his wedding and Cherry participating in a photo shoot for a dance-related volunteer activity he was involved in.
The attack on Cherry coincided with high-profile ridicule aimed at Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and other LGBTQ+ advocates. Days prior, notable opponents of trans rights, including Martina Navratilova, mocked Haaland for appearing in a celebratory video for LGBTQ+ History Month alongside drag performer Pattie Gonia at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City.
Additionally, Raichik expanded her derogatory narrative by posting a compilation of photos captioned, “Is this the ‘return to normalcy’ we keep hearing about from the Biden admin?”
The images included Cherry and Admiral Rachel Levine, the first transgender assistant secretary for health, seemingly trying to ridicule and discredit the administration’s inclusive stance.
In a response to the attacks, a White House spokesperson said, “No one should be targeted simply for being themselves. It is cruel and unacceptable. This is an administration that believes to our core in the principle that out of many we are one — and we are proud that the people who serve in it reflect those values as well. Tyler is an invaluable member of our team who continues to deliver for the Department of Interior and the American people.”
Neither Cherry nor the Department of Interior responded to The Advocate’s request for comment.
Elliot Imse, the executive director of the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, a group that supports LGBTQ+ in public office, condemned the attacks against Cherry.
“It is difficult to comprehend the immorality and wickedness of people who launch these attacks without understanding it is a tactic to drive qualified LGBTQ+ people out of public life. Our LGBTQ+ appointees are facing an increasing number of attacks from those threatened by a world that is leaving their intolerant kind behind. While this ugliness is damaging and disgusting, many more Americans stand with Tyler and other LGBTQ+ appointees than stand with these bigots. Tyler is a true public servant and it is great to see all the online love being sent their way,” Imse said in a statement.
Human Rights Campaign national press secretary Brandon Wolf also expressed disgust with Raichik’s behavior.
“Last week, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert hurled a transphobic tirade at US Asst. Secretary of Defense for Readiness Shawn Skelly; this week, it's Libs Of TikTok creator Chaya Raichik targeting Dept. of Interior Spokesperson Tyler Cherry. Simply for being who they are. This vile harassment is more of the extremist agenda to demonize the LGBTQ+ community and divide the country -- and it's exactly the kind of hateful rhetoric that has led to spiking violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, mounting threats of violence against schools and children's hospitals, and plunged the community into a state of emergency," Wolf told The Advocate in a text message.
"Shame on those who peddle hate for clicks and cheap political points. We are grateful for the work of these talented public servants and the inspiration they bring to so many," he added.
Earlier in the week, billionaire Elon Musk’s engagement with contentious content shared by Raichik through her Libs of TikTok account raised eyebrows when it was revealed that he pays Raichik, the person described by security experts as one who engages in stochastic terrorism tactics, for the content the hate monger posts.
Raichik’s account, notorious for its critique of LGBTQ+ inclusivity, faced a brief demonetization Tuesday on X, with Raichik complaining, “BREAKING: I can now confirm that an entire account can be demonetized… Libs of TikTok is not monetized at all right now. No idea why.”
Within minutes, Musk replied, “Will find out,” followed by Raichik posting five minutes later, “Was just remonetized. Thank you!”
Recent reports highlight a pattern of bomb threats against schools following Raichik's provocative posts targeting LGBTQ+ inclusivity. About 11 schools or school districts spotlighted by Libs of TikTok last month received bomb threats shortly after, causing panic and concern among communities.
Lead image above is Department of the Interior spokesperson Tyler Cherry.
