Lena Dunham: How Leslie Jones Triumphed Over Internet Trolls 

Lena Dunham to write a tribute for “SNL” regular Leslie Jones, one of 50 people to make our New Power of New York list. Here’s why Jones represents a new generation of movers and shakers that capture the best of Manhattan.  

This story first appeared in the September 27, 2016 issue of Variety. Subscribe today.See more.

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I first met Leslie Jones at “SNL.” She was a new writer and I was a terrified first-time host, being shuttled from office to office to hear pitches. Every conversation was a blur of clever puns and Harvard dude ingenuity (not knocking that approach, but it was different than mine). When I sat down in Leslie’s office my entire body breathed a sigh of relief: she was open about her own anxieties but so funny it didn’t matter, and she pitched a sketch in which I played Jesus’s prospective publicist.

While that never made it to air, I had no doubt that Leslie herself soon would. Everything about her presence was witty, wise and utterly original. It’s telling that in our current society a woman — and a woman of color especially — can be called radical just for daring to exist publicly. But Leslie took to her new job with so much grace, power and style that she should be called radical. She knows and embodies the voices and hopes of many.

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Now she’s a full-on star: between scene-stealing moments in “Top Five,” her job as an “SNL” regular and every comedy nerd’s dream role in “Ghostbusters,” she’s become a household name and she’s done it with joy and authenticity. But as she’s brought us so much delight as viewers, she’s also exposed the darkest underbelly of the internet; the racism and misogyny being stoked by the hatred embedded in current American discourse, even as it tries to hide behind the anonymity of a screen.

She has endured more negativity and verbal violence than any person should ever be subjected to, and she’s taken it on with her trademark vulnerability, humor and wisdom. She’s leading the way for bullied teens, victims of abuse, and anyone who has ever felt silenced by judgment. She has embraced the power she has to change the dialogue. She has forced us all to look within at what would be needed, from us and our neighbors, to live in a kinder and more just society, one where we can just let Leslie Jones thrive. Because this woman was born to thrive and we are so lucky to watch her.

Lena Dunham is the executive producer and star of “Girls.”

Read our full New Power of New York list here, as well as tributes for Lena Dunham (by Jenni Konner), Chelsea Clinton (by Bill Clinton) and Megyn Kelly (by Judge Judy).  

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This article is weak and does not deliver what’s promised in the title.

Leslie Jones is a gift to this World. One of the funniest women in Hollywood. Really beautiful and smart human being. It’s very sad what happened to her, but her strenght is a huge inspiration to us all.

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Did Leslie Jones really triumph over Internet trolls though? She fed them/gave them plenty of attention, which is all they seek in the first place, and then gave them the “victory” they sought by leaving social media. Then she comes back after a brief spell away, and somehow that qualifies as a victory?

So proud of you Leslie, I really admire your courage. You are a inspiration for children that are bullied in

Variety could have chosen a better picture of Ms. Jones. A smiling picture. Anything.

Yes, because all women must do for pictures is smile. Jesus.

Hopefully Lena will think about hiring some people of color as cast members when she casts her next hit.

How a grown up wins over Internet trolls: make a big public statement pretending to be truly devastated by the hurtful comments to the point that you can’t take it anymore, stay away from social media at least for a week, wait for lots of comments from celebrities sending you their love and support at this most horrific time in your life, return to social media thanking the supporters. You are a grown up winner.

How a teenager wins over Internet trolls: “Hey you’ll – Cheers and Peace. Keep them coming. If it doesn’t kill you, it will make you stronger”.