Just days after Tuesday’s deadly tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, that claimed the lives of over 19 elementary school children and two teachers, “Abbott Elementary” creator and star Quinta Brunson took to social media where she addressed the “wild” requests from fans to have her do an episode about a school shooting.
“Wild how many people have asked for a school shooting episode of the show I write,” the 32-year-old wrote in a post shared on Twitter on Wednesday, May 25, “People are that deeply removed from demanding more from the politicians they’ve elected and are instead demanding ‘entertainment.’ I can’t ask ‘are yall ok’ anymore because the answer is ‘no.’”
The writer followed up with another post, imploring viewers to “Please use that energy to ask your elected official to get on Beto time and nothing less. I’m begging you.” Brunson explained that “I don’t want to sound mean, but I want people to understand the flaw in asking for something like this.” She added, “we’re not okay. this country is rotting our brains. im sad about it.”
The actress then shared a screenshot of “one of many” requests that began as “This is just an idea.” The unidentified viewer wrote, “For the eventual series finale, a school shooting episode to highlight the numerous ones in the nation. Formulate an angle that would get out government to understand why laws need to pass. I think Abbott Elementary can affect change,” that person added before signing off but not before telling Brunson, “I love the show.”
Fans on social media were stunned that people would make such an inquiry, including “The Read” podcast co-host Crissle West, who wrote “hope you don’t mind but I have to cuss this person out on my show.”
“They want a tv episode.. to be based of true off events that happen in real life.. because that isn’t already enough for our government to do something about it.. got it,” commented another person.
A third fan commented, “This is so crazy! I’m over here wanting y’all to do a talent show episode and have Ava basically take it over and they over there asking for that? I can’t! ”
Brunson plays Janine, a second-grade teacher at the school, alongside an ensemble cast, including Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter and Sheryl Lee Ralph. The show already has been renewed for a second season, which is set to air later this fall.
