Bryce Hall responds to backlash over leaked Brock Pierce endorsement DMs
Instagram: Bryce Hall/ Wikimedia Commons: DavidCLeePhotography, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>With the US elections just around the corner, everyone – including famous TikTokers – is gearing up to cast a vote that will change the shape of the country’s future. However, Bryce Hall was on the receiving end of criticism after a leaked conversation seemed to confirm that he was voting for third party candidate, Brock Pierce.
It seems like wherever Bryce Hall goes, drama isn’t too far behind. Only this week, he has been warring with Sway House co-founder Thomas Petrou for reaching out in order to start “fake beef” as well as finding himself in a brawl with restaurant employees, with the LAPD later filing a felony battery report over it.
This time, fans were upset after leaked messages appeared to confirm that Hall was not only endorsing third candidate Brock Pierce, but was also planning on voting for him.
Quick to dispel these rumors alongside fan suspicion over his reason for visiting Wyoming, Hall posted a Tweet explaining that the only reason he was to use his influence for good: namely, by “encourag[ing] the youth to get involved in the political process”.
im in wyoming to encourage the youth to get involved in the political process and to see a state ive never been to. i was making a joke with an acquaintance, he decided to be an asshole and share it. the only person I endorse for president is mamma hall. take that to the bank
— Bryce Hall (@BryceHall) October 25, 2020
Referring to the leaked messages, where he seems to confirm he’s voting for Pierce, Hall claims that he was merely “making a joke with an acquaintance,” who then “decided to be an a**hole and share it”.
“The only person I endorse for president is Mamma Hall. Take that to the bank,” he quipped.
However, not all fans were satisfied with his response, with one Twitter user arguing that voting for a third candidate isn’t something to joke about.
The fan said: “The thing is this isn’t something to joke about though? As a black supporter, it’s frustrating because advocating for a third party is advocating for someone who wants to take away my basic human rights so no Bryce I’m not laughing.”
the thing is this isnt something to joke about tho? as a black supporter its frustrating because advocating for a third party is advocating for someone who wants to take away my basic human right so no bryce im not laughing
— sarah☆*:・゚✧ l☆ ¹ᴰ l matt’s day (@GRACEFULGRIFF) October 25, 2020
What I’m understanding here is that Bryce here isn’t aloud to support who he believes in, am I getting that right?
— Lord Pippin (DW) (@redroserevolver) October 25, 2020
Other fans, however, showed support for Hall, with one Twitter user saying: “What I’m understanding here is that Bryce here isn’t allowed to support who he believes in, am I getting that right?”
Why did fans think Hall was endorsing Brock Pierce?
Fans initially became suspicious when Hall posed for a selfie outside Pierce’s presidential campaign van.
Soon after, entrepreneur Mahbod Moghadam leaked a conversation he has with Hall about Pierce where, after discussing Hall’s upcoming interview with the candidate for his podcast, he told Moghadam that Pierce “was an interesting guy” who “had my vote.”
Brock Pierce later shared the exchange on his Instagram story.
Many fans resulted with outrage at this apparent endorsement, with many of them accusing Hall of using his platform irresponsibly. One fan said: “Must be nice to have the privilege of not caring who to endorse in this election and influencing your followers to vote for a third party.”
this is so embarrassing to see… must be nice having the privilege of not caring who to endorse this election and influencing your followers to vote for a third part which… guess what!!! is a vote for trump!!! pic.twitter.com/bRyOBXtMVd
— spooky michele (@wavymichele) October 24, 2020
Several other fans accused him of encouraging fans to “waste” their vote, with one Twitter user asking: “Does he even realize what this does?! I’m so disappointed.”
While Hall seems to have poured cold water over a possible Brock Pierce endorsement, it is clear that he has some way to go before he regains fans’ trust.