The Pistorius family feels that the manner in which the media has been handling the Oscar case has had a damaging impact on the case itself and Oscar’s reputation. This Thursday the family released a statement which includes sentiments to the effect that the family is bothered by the implications in the media “as well as commentary on various social media platforms”.
Oscar Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day. He said that he thought she was a burglar in his home within a high-security estate in Pretoria. He said that he was in fact trying to “protect” her when the incident happened.
Since that fateful morning, Oscar Pistorius has been granted bail and shortly thereafter, his bail conditions were relaxed. Today, Pistorius can travel and compete internationally if he qualifies or is invited to. Though the popular athlete has been embroiled in his bail conditions appeal, his family insists that he has made time to mourn for the woman he shot. According to the eNCA , Oscar Pistorius has been seeking out people who were close to Reeva and spending time with them in his healing process.
When Reeva died, she had not yet taken Oscar to her home to meet her family though she had told them about the relationship. Anneliese Burgess, the spokesperson for the Pistorius family, reiterated the family’s condolences to the Steenkamps and all those who were close to Reeva. Burgess conveyed the message that the Pistorius family was praying for everyone who was touched by the young model’s death.
Social network activity has been cause for great concern for Pistorius and one comment stands out because it was shared on 1577 Twitter retweets. A few days after the shooting, outspoken comedian Frankie Boyle tweeted: “Reeva Steenkamp’s last moments must have been like a scene from Terminator”.
It is not clear if this tweet is what spurned the ‘Pistorians’ into action. This is a group of women from all over the world who have taken it upon themselves to be the defenders of Oscar Pistorius on social media. They are unwavering in their support of Oscar and have extended this free online reputation management service to Oscar’s brother Carl who is accused in the death of a motorcyclist a few years ago. City Press reported that the group intends to support Oscar until the case is concluded and that they are hopeful that Oscar will walk away from this as a free man.
After what he did, he should expect things like this. People feed on other people’s misery.