The recent tweets from a user known as Moy, who operates under the handle #ffzmoy_, have sparked an intense backlash on social media due to their horrific content. In a series of alarming posts, Moy grotesquely outlined the physical attributes of his so-called “ideal rape victim,” specifying a preference for petite, skinny women aged 18 to 24 with long hair. He accompanied these grotesque descriptions with images, implying that he felt physically capable of overpowering such individuals despite their attempts at self-defense. Users on the platform were astonished and horrified by the depth of Moy’s depravity, as he cavalierly declared his intent to abduct women, framing his comments as if they were mere provocations rather than the horrifically violent and predatory declarations they were.
Moy’s tweets became progressively more disturbing; he referred to women dressed in certain ways as “whores” and even suggested that he would stalk them to gather personal information, echoing a clear intent to commit violent acts. His comments also veered into the deeply unsettling claim that some women “yearn” for domination, insinuating that the occurrence of rape might be attributed to women’s choices in attire. He launched a grotesque theory suggesting that more rapes would lead to women better regulating their dress. Such comments conflated victim-blaming with a repugnant justification for sexual violence, effectively perpetuating a harmful narrative that seeks to strip victims of their agency and blame them for the actions of aggressors.
In a particularly chilling response to a social media post calling for justice in the aftermath of a woman’s murder, Moy took the opportunity to argue that women do not deserve help from men unless they dress “decently.” This traumatizing rhetoric signifies a broader societal issue prevalent in many cultures where women’s clothing choices are inappropriately scrutinized as a cause for violence against them. In doing so, he not only dismissed the severity of sexual violence but also reinforced the toxic beliefs that underlie such violence, perpetuating a culture of victim-blaming and misogyny.
Support for Moy from another user, Emmanuel Ayere (@ayereoflagos), further encapsulated the toxic views circulating within certain sectors of social media. Ayere echoed Moy’s sentiments, suggesting that women’s clothing directly correlates with their chances of being assaulted, arguing dimly that women secretly enjoy such assaults. This rhetoric crystallizes a dangerous discourse that dehumanizes victims and absolves aggressors of culpability for their actions, blatantly ignoring the factors that truly contribute to instances of sexual violence.
The public reaction to Moy’s tweets saw many users denounce him vehemently, labeling him a predator and calling for accountability. Prominent quotes from various users highlighted outrage over his views, with sentiments expressing concern for the safety of women and the inherent danger posed by individuals with such grotesque ideologies. Comments included assertions that Moy should face legal repercussions, with one user explicitly calling for his arrest. The antagonism directed towards Moy illustrated a larger collective disgust at the normalization of predatory mindsets in society and the urgent need for cultural change regarding how sexual violence is perceived and prosecuted.
Following the public outcry, both Moy and Ayere’s Twitter accounts were suspended, a response that many felt was insufficient given the gravity of their comments. Users pointed out that mere account suspensions could not eradicate the real-life threat posed by individuals espousing such dangerous beliefs. There was a consensus among various voices on social media calling for more than just digital repercussions, advocating for legal consequences to ensure the safety of women from individuals who promote or condone sexual violence. The incident underscores an ongoing struggle to confront toxic behaviors and ideologies that underpin sexual violence, highlighting the necessity for societal change and stronger protections for victims.
