Northwestern University hopped on Twitter to clear the air yesterday (Sept. 20) after social media users accused one of its students of making a racist video and posting it online. In the clip, a young Asian man sits next to a television screen watching Halle Bailey star as The Little Mermaid. Next, he puts a black mask over his face and adds a red wig. In the video, he wears a hoodie with the school’s logo.
Bailey has faced public backlash for being a Black woman starring in the live-action remake of Disney’s 1989 animated film — which features a white mermaid as Ariel. While some critics were upset that Disney decided to change Ariel’s look, many cheered on the company’s decision to allow little Black girls to see themselves in Bailey.
It’s safe to say Black Twitter was not about to let the alleged student’s disrespect slide. “Has Northwestern addressed the racist Indonesian man who made that disgusting Little Mermaid mockery, yet?” one tweet read. Other posts listed the university’s phone number to the International Programs Department and the Dean’s Office urging social media users to call and alert the school of the young man’s behavior.
Jossi Marchelli Risaputra is a future lawyer. I think not.
Please report him to
Northwestern University
for anti-Black racism312 503-0795
International Programs312-503-8460
Deans Office[email protected] https://t.co/c9h4co0mB5
— Warren Muhammad (@FirstWorkMedia) September 20, 2022
The school heard the complaints loud and clear and released a statement. “We have learned of a racist video that is circulating on social media,” Dean Hari Osofsky began. “Based on our investigation, we have confirmed that the person who made this video is not a current student, but someone with a similar name appears to be a former student at the law school,” the Northwestern official continued.
Osofsky condemned the viral clip, adding, “The views expressed in the video in question are abhorrent and disgusting. The university’s and law school’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is unwavering. We strongly denounce the video.” Osofsky shared the statement via Twitter and her post was retweeted by Northwestern University.
— Hari Osofsky (@HariOsofsky) September 20, 2022
‼️Another One‼️
This goofy racist needs to lose his STUDY VISA. Family you know what to do… Let’s go‼️ pic.twitter.com/DxMceG3qhi— IG: RahiemShabazz (@rahiemshabazz) September 20, 2022
Has Northwestern addressed the racist Indonesian man who made that disgusting Little Mermaid mockery yet???
— ♥️Mina_Mosley♥️ (@DSTBlaze) September 20, 2022
Correction the guys name is Jossi Marchelli Risaputra he is the anti black racist that made video of the Little mermain in Black face and he the attends Northwestern Law School. This is all the contact information to reach out to the Administration at that school. https://t.co/44BD3NEVAP pic.twitter.com/rsVHF90I9D
— Jo Joe (@FBAJoJoe) September 20, 2022
In this area, Northwestern is unfortunately known to be an extremely racist school in racist Evanston, IL. I would be surprised if any action is taken against him.
— I come in peace (@ChiTownraisedme) September 20, 2022
Not it being not even 24 hours later and y’all bout to get the little racist Asian boy with the Little Mermaid video deported and expelled from Northwestern. 💀
— Grove Street’s Fave BQ 🔫 (@IngusTheGreat) September 20, 2022