Jamey Rodemeyer's Parents: Bullies Who Mocked Teen After Suicide ‘Have No Heart’
Posted on Sep 27, 2011 @ 06:00AM
By Adam S. Levy
Radar Staff Writer
The parents of Jamey Rodemeyer, the Buffalo, New York teenager who killed himself last week after enduring constant harassment from schoolyard bullies over his sexuality, appeared on the Today Show Tuesday to discuss the events that have followed their son's tragic suicide, and the message he wanted to leave behind.
Jamey took his own life at 14 on September 18, just months after posting a widely-viewed “It Gets Better” video in which he seemed to be comfortable in his own skin, preaching a message of anti-bullying and tolerance synonymous with his favorite musical artist, Lady Gaga.
Jamey's mother Tracey said the same bullies who taunted Jamey during his life stooped as low as to make fun of his death at a homecoming dance attended by Jamey's sister.
PHOTOS: Lady Gaga Performs Moving Tribute To Jamey Rodemeyer
"We thought it would be great for her to be with all her friends and she was texting that she was having a great time, then all of a sudden, a Lady Gaga song came on and they call started chanting for Jamey, all his friends and whatever," Tracey said. ”And then the bullies that put him into this situation started chanting 'You're better off dead, we're glad you're dead,' and things like that and my daughter came home all upset.
"It was supposed to be a time for her to grieve and have fun with her friends," Tracey said, "and it turned into bullying even after he's gone."
"They have no heart," Tim added.
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Tim said he thinks that politicians, religious institutions and the like who come with an anti-gay message enable a climate of intolerance, whether they realize it or not.
"People have different views on things, and if you believe in homosexuality is right or wrong, that's your right as an American -- but it's no reason to bully someone, and hate them, and make them feel worthless.
Tracey said that Jamey went out of his way to hide his pain at home, telling his parents everything at school was alright, even when it wasn’t.
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Asked what message he could send to parents who might have a child in Jamey's situation, Tim said parents should "badger [their] kids and make them talk or get them the help they need.
"Get them to talk. we try to get Jamey to talk to us constantly, and he just kept it in. he just put up a brave face but just don't let it go, if you know they've been bullied in the past, keep on them, go to the school, do whatever you have to, to make sure that they're getting the help they need.
Watch the video on RadarOnline.com
Tracey said Jamey will "forever be in our hearts."
Both Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin have taken public stands in memory of Jamey, calling for anti-bullying laws to be enacted in his memory.
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The Daily Juice
How can you be so f'ing sick as to cheer a death that you partly caused. More proof this country is heading towards destruction. How come these losers are even allowed at the dance, they should be awaiting trial
Posted Tue, 09/27/2011 - 3:37pm
So many kids these days have no empathy for anyone. Maybe karma will come around and one day these bullies will have children who happen to be gay. Let's see how much they enjoy it when it's their kids on the receiving end of this kind of torture.
Posted Tue, 09/27/2011 - 2:33pm
Where are the parents? How can they allow their children to be so cruel? And how did these kids learn to be so cruel? That is horrible!
Posted Tue, 09/27/2011 - 1:21pm
Most times those parents aren't even aware of what is going on. I am going through my child being bullied and the principal advised me today, they contacted the parents and they were shocked to find out their kid was doing this.
Posted Tue, 09/27/2011 - 2:37pm
Those sick bastards who taunted Jamey will probably grow up to be serial killers if nobody punishes them, I wouldn't hesitate to kill those little f*ckers myself if I could get away with it!
Posted Tue, 09/27/2011 - 12:40pm
They were at a school sanctioned event that allowed that incident to happen? (The chanting/) WTF is wrong with the adults in that situation. Prayers for those parents. The people involved in that incident are sick & twisted.
Posted Tue, 09/27/2011 - 12:30pm
Boo Hoo.Sorry but He is in hell with the rest of the abominations.He should have not lived a morally corrupt lifestyle and he would have been a stronger person.Jesus Saves..Perry/Palin 2012
Posted Tue, 09/27/2011 - 12:29pm
hey FTW666, you have some SERIOUS issues. Keep your ignorant comments to yourself
Posted Tue, 09/27/2011 - 1:20pm
Regardless of your beliefs and you may not approve of his lifestyle BUT a child has died, please be respectful.
Posted Tue, 09/27/2011 - 1:20pm
His death is sad enough; taunting his death is unfathomable. WTF is wrong w/kids that they're so de-sensitized to something so abhorrent?? This is not how a civilized society functions! My heart goes out to Jamey's parents.
Posted Tue, 09/27/2011 - 12:24pm