Dr Jeffrey Lieberman Issues Public Apology After Facing Backlash Over “Anti-Black” Tweet
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Columbia University suspended Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman, head of the Psychiatry Department, on February 23 after his controversial and alleged “anti-black” tweets.
The backlash also led to Lieberman losing his position as Chief Psychiatrist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
An insensitive retweet from the professor praising South Sudanese model Nyakim Gatwech sparked controversy. Apparently, Liebman shared this tweet unknowingly, which stated incorrectly that Gatwech’s skin tone held the record as being the darkest ever seen.
Gatwech herself clarified the inaccuracy by sharing the tweet on Instagram. It was screenshotted and shared across social media that tomorrow’s tweet, which was deleted later, was posted by Lieberman.
Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman Apologizes Publicly
According to Lieberman, she re-tweeted the original erroneous tweet about Nyakim Gatwech’s complexion on February 20. Lieberman wrote the in the deleted tweet, which had been quoted: “Whether a work of art or freak of nature she’s a beautiful sight to behold.”
His use of the word “freak” caused a lot of backlash online, which ultimately led to his suspension from Columbia University. After receiving flak, Lieberman reportedly deleted or deactivated his Twitter account.
— Dr Nicole Christian Brathwaite, MD (@Drnicolecb) February 21, 2022
Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman Responded To The Criticism
Dr. Jeffrey wrote on Twitter: “TWEET DELETED” He apologized for any offense and indiscretion. “Living and learning.”
A New York Times article reported that Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman sent an apology email to his colleagues. A 74-year-old man apologized in an email to the black community and women whose feelings he may have hurt. He wrote in the email that it has hurt many, and he is beginning to understand the work ahead to make necessary changes and regain trust over time.
According to reports, Lieberman will remain in his current position for the time being. In addition to being the psychiatry head at the university, Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman was The American Psychiatric Association (APA) President from 2013 to 2014.
Ankita Khanrah
Ankita Khanrah is a second-year student of the Master of Communication and Journalism (Integrated) programme at the School of Mass Communication, KIIT Deemed University, Bhubaneswar.
