Former WWL New Orleans radio host Seth Dunlap reappeared on Twitter for the first time in months breaking his self-imposed exile from public statements.
In a series of seven tweets, Dunlap told his followers that while he “remained quiet for years for fear of retribution,” that retribution had arrived in his opinion.
“No longer am I afraid,” added Dunlap.
Citing the “billions of assets” and “direct connections to local law enforcement” of his former employer WWL Radio, he chided those who believed the accusations leveled at him which led to his firing: “Shame on you.”
If you believed anything said by a company with billions in assets, unchecked media access, & multiple direct connections to local law enforcement…then shame on you. I remained quiet for years for fear of retribution. Retribution came. No longer am I afraid.
— Seth Dunlap (@sethdunlap) December 17, 2019
Multiple recordings have been provided by current and former employees that share the explicit, horrific words and actions of management, past and current. Nearly all are afraid to directly speak out in fear for the safety of their current and/or future employment.
— Seth Dunlap (@sethdunlap) December 17, 2019
Over the next weeks and months I hope to share not only my story but, more importantly, the stories of others. What I went through publicly goes on every day to countless other people who get no media coverage, nor no resources they can fall back on.
— Seth Dunlap (@sethdunlap) December 17, 2019
The @glaad, @TrevorProject, and @HRC are just a few of the great organizations working to promote equality that you should support and, if needed, reach out to. My DM’s are also open for anybody who needs an ear or would like to share their story. ✌️❤️
— Seth Dunlap (@sethdunlap) December 17, 2019
On September 5, Dunlap penned an open letter on his Facebook page to New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees regarding the athlete’s participation in a video made by anti-LGBTQ group Focus on the Family that encouraged kids to take their Bibles to school.
In the essay, Dunlap wrote, “I am a gay man who has worked nearly two decades in the sports media industry. My personal experience, not headlines or Twitter innuendo, caused me to recoil at your initial video.”
Soon after tweeting, “Which of these 5 “overreactions” isn’t actually an overreaction? You tell me…” the radio station’s account appeared to troll Dunlap with the message, “That you’re a fag.”
Eventually, the station denied anyone with access to their Twitter account sending the homophobic message.
During the ensuing debacle, Dunlap’s lawyer announced he had passed a voluntary polygraph test that “concluded Seth was truthful” in his accusations.
But the station alleged that forensic expert John Conroy discovered the tweet was sent from an Internet protocol address associated with Dunlap’s cell.
Dunlap eventually filed a $1.85 million settlement against his workplace and also alleged an “anti-LGBT culture” at the company.
After a month and a half of legal battles, Dunlap was fired in early November, according to his lawyer Megan Kiefer.
Prior to today’s Twitter posts, Dunlap has been relatively silent on social media. His last tweet was on September 12.
In the series of tweets, he shared that he feels “complicit” for the “nearly unchecked homophobia, racism and misogyny” that happens in the workplace because he “didn’t speak up sooner.”
Dunlap promised to share more of his own story over the next weeks and months but adds that he wants to see the stories of others made public as well.
“Silence doesn’t equal apathy,” he wrote. “But silence also doesn’t equal advocacy.”
He also name-checked GLAAD, The Trevor Project and the Human Rights Campaign as organizations LGBTQ people can turn too for support.
There was some support for Dunlap among the comments, but most fell along the lines of comparing him to former Empire actor Jussie Smollett, calling him “guilty as hell,” a “liar,” and a “criminal.”
Just a sample:
Seth I have been saying for a while now how WWL radio and it’s audience are. A bunch of right wing homophobic hateful people who just don’t care for anyone unless they are just like them.
— Quintin Bridges (@QROCK1) December 18, 2019
Lol, fam you guilty as hell. Your case is as obvious as Jussie Smollett
— Hoodie Melo (@threerayl) December 17, 2019
Your own lawyer drop you like a hot potato what else can be said Seth Dunlap.
— joseph manzella (@josephmanzella) December 17, 2019
Seth, I’ve been in your corner when these allegations first came out. I’ve even defended your right to “whistle blow.” In the month’s since, I have to say your case looks really thin against WWL870. I wish you the best going forward and have a good life. It’s been nice knowing u.
— Leathaniel Newell (@shotcaller09) December 17, 2019
What do you think, readers? Is Seth Dunlap the victim of a homophobic smear campaign? Or could this be another ‘Jussie Smollett’ situation?
Let us know in the comments.
What do you think?