Baby, I love you with everything in me..who would’ve thought we’d make it this far? 6 years ago I asked you to be my girlfriend in the halls of Dutchtown High and here you are today MY FIANCÈ! Congrats on graduating today! Now we can put all the things we talked about in play❤ pic.twitter.com/hZhwDwa4ZK
— JuicemanJames (@_JayClark_) May 11, 2018
Viral video of a Louisiana man proposing to his girlfriend at her college graduation has sparked fierce debate over whether it’s appropriate for men to propose at celebrations of their significant other’s accomplishments.
The footage, shared via Twitter this week, shows 23-year-old James Clark pop the question during his girlfriend Marquell’s graduation ceremony in Baton Rouge. The heartwarming clip has already amassed over 2.3 million views but left many critics speculating if his wife-to-be was truly pleased about the proposal.
Some took it a step further, arguing that Clark’s timing was all wrong and accusing him of stealing his girlfriend’s moment to shine.
“Can I just say something real quick,” Clark says in the video, while Marquell, who has just graduated from Southern University, stands by in her blue cap and gown. ” … I am just so proud of my gorgeous, intelligent girlfriend. She [has] put so much work in, long nights of studying, working hard, so it’s so beautiful to see you make it to this moment.”
After announcing that he has a “special graduation present,” Clark pulls out the ring, drops to one knee and asks the million-dollar question. Marquell happily accepts. Their family and friends erupt into joyful noise as he slips the ring on her finger, sealing their engagement.
Not everyone was happy about the spectacle, however. Clark’s proposal drew intense reaction from feminists who felt he should’ve picked a different time to propose so as not to take away from his girlfriend’s special day.
Why are some men like this? The focus is no longer her & her accomplishment but rather on him and his proposal. He couldn’t wait till dinner or the next day, he had to have an audience and make it about him? smh. If she says she’s happy them…🤷🏾♀️
— Maureen O (@Insightbymo) May 13, 2018
You really took her moment from her
— Daisy 🎀 (@xComeCorrect) May 12, 2018
She look pissed. Why did he feel the need to take attention away from her graduation. H could have planned it on a separate day let the women enjoy her hard work@in peace.
— TomTom (@NtandazoNo) May 12, 2018
He look more happy than her. 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/gW5Ra77IDh
— NANI🦋 (@drunknluuv) May 12, 2018
Wow. Way to go stealing HER moment and making it all about you. Selfish.
— MG⚽ (@MG9Productions) May 13, 2018
A day all about her and you made it about you. Men truly are garbage.
— Maverynthia 🌱 (@maverynthia) May 14, 2018
There were also those who didn’t take issue with the incident — including Clark’s fiance, Marquell, who clapped back at haters who criticized her reaction to the proposal.
For everyone concerned if I was excited about my proposal! I AM VERY HAPPY! I’m where y’all want to be…a degree & engagement all in one day🙃🤗….Jealousy is really a disease y’all need to find Jesus! Y’all are so hateful please seek help! ✌🏽
— Marquell (@QueenKells__) May 12, 2018
Some accused the critics who bashed Clark of being ” lonely and bitter,” and questioned why folks just couldn’t be happy for the newly engaged couple.
So because she didn’t pretend to freak out and faint , she’s not happy? Y’all have issues 😂😂😂
— Lois Truly (@loistruly) May 13, 2018
y’all just mad bc y’all not in a relationship! Bitter sad and fucking lonely! Stfu and worry about your life! My sister is very happy and she’s been waiting for this special day! Soo if you have something negative to say keep it fucking pushing! 🤷🏾♀️
-thanks— MARKEYA💄👑🍫 (@markeya_97) May 12, 2018
