Woman claims fragile man held a gun to her head and fired because she called him gay
34-year-old Fredrick Jerell Davis allegedly held a gun to a woman’s head because she called him gay. (Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office)
A man has been arrested for allegedly holding a gun to a woman’s head and shooting at her, all because she called him gay.
Police in Monroe, Louisiana, arrested 34-year-old Fredrick Jerell Davis on suspicion of aggravated assault with a firearm on September 16.
Officers responded to complaints that shots had been fired at a woman’s apartment. The arrest report shows that the victim claimed Davis had come to her apartment and held a gun to her head, before firing a bullet into the wall.
A used .22 caliber shell casing was recovered at the scene.
The reason, the victim claimed, that David was so “upset” and pulled a gun on her was that she had referred to him as a “gay a**” earlier that evening.
Davis was booked into Ouachita Correctional Center, but during questioning, the suspect denied all allegations.
Fragile or toxic masculinity has been linked to violence.
A study this year by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that traits associated with toxic masculinity are linked to violent bullying, sexual harassment and mental illness.
Data from from 3,600 men across three different countries was analysed, with participants scored on their reactions to statements such as “A gay guy is not a real man” and “Straight guys being friends with gay guys is totally fine and normal”.
The team found that “macho” men with aggressive and anti-LGBT+ attitudes are not only more likely to be bullies, but also to experience mental health problems.
Another study found that toxic masculinity can actually be harmful to men’s health, causing a host of health problems in later life.
By attempting to not show weakness or emotion, men can become isolated, which can have a significant impact on mental and physical health as they age.
Researchers said: “Older men who endorse the ideals of toxic masculinity can become siloed off as they age. Not all older men are at risk – just those who favour a particular set of ideals.”
