I feel compelled to share the story of country star Jelly Roll’s decision to leave the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Jelly Roll, real name Jason Bradley DeFord, described X as “the most toxic negative app to exist ever—period” in a candid post on the app. The 39-year-old singer-songwriter expressed that the platform has become a “safe place for everyone to say mean s–t to each other with no consequences,” likening it to the “Wild West.”
This is not the first time Jelly Roll has taken a break from social media due to the overwhelming negativity. Earlier this year, his wife, Bunnie Xo (real name Alyssa DeFord), spoke out about the relentless bullying her husband faced, particularly regarding his weight. The cyberbullying had taken a significant toll on Jelly Roll’s mental health, prompting him to step away from the platforms.
Despite his recent Grammy nominations and CMA Award win for New Artist of the Year, Jelly Roll has remained grounded and open about his personal struggles, including his battle with addiction. In a recent podcast interview, he shared his experiences with Alcoholics Anonymous, revealing that he first attended meetings as a teenager.
“Oh goodness, I don’t fully remember my first real meeting ’cause I was court-ordered at like 14,” Jelly Roll said. “However, I vividly recall the initial moment I found comfort in those rooms, or the initial introduction to this concept.” And how much stuff I’ve taken from their rooms.”
These raw and honest conversations have only served to deepen the connection between Jelly Roll and his fans, who admire his resilience and authenticity. However, the constant barrage of negativity on social media platforms like X has proven to be too much for the country star to handle.
In his latest post, Jelly Roll made it clear that he’s had enough, simply stating, “I’m out, lol.” While his X account remains active for now, his decision to step away from the toxic environment is a testament to the importance of prioritizing one’s mental health, even in the face of overwhelming public scrutiny.
As a news reporter, I applaud Jelly Roll’s courage in speaking out against the toxicity that has permeated social media. His story serves as a reminder that even the most successful artists are not immune to the harmful effects of cyberbullying and online harassment. It’s a sobering reality that the industry must continue to address in order to provide a safer and more supportive environment for all creatives.