An author tried to use the London Bridge attack to celebrate white, straight men – and it epically backfired

Nov 30 2019
Written by Emma Powys Maurice

Author Peter Lloyd felt the need to comment on an unknown man’s sexuality in a tweet about the London Bridge terror attack (Twitter)

In what must be the world’s worst take on the London Bridge terror attack, a man has decided to celebrate the sexuality of one of the people who bravely intervened.

On Friday two people were tragically killed and three others were injured when Usman Khan, a convicted terrorist, went on a stabbing rampage less than three years after the last terrorist attack on the bridge.

Peter Lloyd, author of “bloke bible” Stand By Your Manhood, tweeted a photo of an unknown member of the public who tackled Khan and removed his knife.

“Funny how people don’t mind straight, white men when they’re being TOTAL F**KING HEROES,” he wrote.

Funny how people don’t mind straight, white men when they’re being TOTAL FUCKING HEROES. #LondonBridge pic.twitter.com/FKzds74sGI

— Peter Lloyd (@Suffragentleman) November 29, 2019

The man’s identity is still unknown so it’s not clear how Lloyd was able to confirm his sexuality.

The absurdity of his statement was quickly pointed out by Twitter users who dragged him in the comments, noting that his tweet actually says more about him than those he’s attempting to criticise.

It’s great you had time to do a survey of all these men to find out the sexual orientation.
Whilst they were saving lives, you were doing a bar chart.

— Adem Waterman (@ademwaterman) November 30, 2019

Imagine being so sad and needy that you have to hang your hat on incidental attributes totally irrelevant to said heroism.
— Karmuppance is coming (@KComeuppance) November 30, 2019

I had no idea that the attack was all about you! So sorry.
— greatindoors (@greatindoors2) November 30, 2019

Perhaps he couldn’t find them on Grindr?

— Apparent Eurocrat #FBPE. Flying Flamingo (@Boon2bewild) November 30, 2019

People generally don’t mind straight white men, it’s just the angry ones who use any situation to push their agenda that people don’t like.
— James Hardy (@JamesHa1886) November 29, 2019

We don’t know the sexuality of the heroes, or indeed the ethnic origins of all. Let’s just be grateful whoever they are.
— MartinSewell (@SewellMartin) November 29, 2019

There are hero’s of all kinds and we are thankful for them. But the fact that you had to mention that he was white and possibly straight is an indication of your insecurity.
— MikeRob (@MikeRob26380064) November 29, 2019

“I’ll exploit any tragedy for likes and RTs. Please buy my book” – Peter Lloyd 2019
— Irritated llama (@Irritatedllama) November 30, 2019

Yeah, make an example of this to defend straight white male priviledge. That’s definitely the point, you got it mate??
— Mark Moloney (@xmlmarksthespot) November 30, 2019

The fact you assume they *must* be straight speaks volumes about your homophobia.
— ? Steve (@wohyeahwohyeah) November 30, 2019

Just means he’s got good taste.
— Col (@MKcol) November 30, 2019

Sir I’m a professional body language and posture expert. The dude dropping the knife is FLAMING
— Phineas J. Tweetwell (@bardamu722) November 29, 2019

Ofcourse he’s straight. He has a cigarette/pencil behind his ear. School boy error there, Darren..
— Frank Serpico (@FrankSerpico10) November 29, 2019

Buzzfeed producer Sam Cleal wrote: “What a toxic and unnecessary way to take advantage of this story.”