Kim Kardashian has called her lawyer to help Cyntoia Brown, a sex trafficking victim who killed a man
Celebrities and everyday citizens alike have come together via social media to demand justice for Cyntoia Brown. And on November 21st, Kim Kardashian West stated on Twitter that she’s called her attorneys to help with Brown’s case.
Brown is currently serving a life sentence for a murder she committed in 2004. At 16 years old, Brown shot and killed a 43-year-old man who had solicited her for sex. If her case was heard today in 2017, Brown would be classified as a victim of sex trafficking, not a murderer.
After an investigative report by Fox 17 News Nashville went live on November 16th, the hashtag #FreeCyntoiaBrown has spread over several social media platforms. While supporters in her hometown work on a clemency campaign for Brown’s freedom, social media users are raising awareness about her unjust treatment.
Kim Kardashian West, Rihanna, and other celebrities have also joined the movement. Kardashian tweeted the now viral photo of Brown standing trial, which includes a brief explanation of Brown’s situation. The reality star added,
"The system has failed. It’s heart breaking to see a young girl sex trafficked then when she has the courage to fight back is jailed for life! We have to do better & do what’s right. I’ve called my attorneys yesterday to see what can be done to fix this. #FreeCyntoiaBrown."
The system has failed. It’s heart breaking to see a young girl sex trafficked then when she has the courage to fight back is jailed for life! We have to do better & do what’s right. I’ve called my attorneys yesterday to see what can be done to fix this. #FreeCyntoiaBrown pic.twitter.com/73y26mLp7u
— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) November 21, 2017
Brown’s case was covered in depth in a 2011 documentary by Daniel Birman. For seven years, Birman followed Brown’s case and uncovered the violent childhood she endured leading up to the murder. She was physically, sexually, and verbally abused, and was sex trafficked by a pimp named Kutthroat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXe0asMDdCU?feature=oembed
Birman’s revealing documentary was responsible for a 2011 Tennessee law change that made it so anyone under the age of 18 cannot be charged with prostitution and will instead be considered a victim of sex trafficking.
Yet this new law did not apply to Brown.
Now, the public is seeking justice for Cyntoia Brown. With influential celebrities and caring, determined supporters on her side, hopefully that justice will be served.