Source: New York Post
Summary
A 40-year-old LGBT podcaster, Benjamin Azariah Southworth, was arrested in Los Angeles for allegedly threatening to kill President Donald Trump. Federal agents charged him with cyberstalking, making harassing calls, and threatening to kill the president. Southworth is accused of targeting the family of one of Trump’s attorneys by publishing their personal information. He also sold stickers that read “Kill Trump” on his website. Southworth previously hosted a Christian reality TV show and came out as gay in 2008. He later co-hosted a podcast that describes itself as sexuality-affirming.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
Southworth, once a Christian TV host, now faces federal charges for threatening the president.
He posted videos calling for Trump’s assassination and shared personal information of a lawyer’s family.
He sold stickers that say “Kill Trump” on his website, still active.
His past as a gay podcaster and Christian TV host feels like a different life.
Author: Evan Null
Benjamin Azariah Southworth’s Background
Benjamin Azariah Southworth, 40, was a prominent LGBT podcaster who previously hosted a Christian reality television show. He came out as gay in 2008 and later co-hosted a podcast called “Yass, Jesus!” which is described as an interfaith and sexuality-affirming comedy podcast. Southworth was known for his work in Christian media and his later shift to more secular and LGBTQ+ focused content.
Arrest and Federal Charges
Southworth was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles for allegedly threatening to kill President Donald Trump. He was indicted on charges of cyberstalking, making harassing interstate calls, and threatening to kill the president. The U.S. Attorney’s office stated that threats against the president are federal crimes and that they will prosecute anyone who crosses that line.
Alleged Threats and Doxxing
Southworth is accused of posting videos calling for Trump’s assassination and targeting the family of one of the president’s personal attorneys. He allegedly published their home address and phone numbers and left voicemails threatening “justice comes to your door.” The act of revealing personal information of public officials without consent is known as “doxxing” and is typically done with the intent to harass or cause harm.
Previous Work and Public Statements
Southworth previously hosted the Christian reality TV show “The Remix,” which aired on major Christian networks. He also came out as gay in 2008 and was the opening act for gay Christian singer Ray Boltz on a nationwide tour. In 2020, he started a podcast that promotes interfaith and sexuality-affirming content, co-hosted with actor Daniel Franzese.
Public Reaction and White House Response
The White House condemned threats against the president, with spokesperson Davis Ingle stating that anyone engaging in political violence or assassination culture should be condemned and seek psychiatric help. Southworth could not be reached for comment at the time of the report. His arrest highlights the ongoing issue of threats against public figures and the legal consequences of such actions.
