Statue of Liberty protester mocks Melania Trump's infamous 'I really don't care, do u?' coat at court appearance
Therese Patricia Okoumou, the woman who scaled the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty on July 4 to protest President Trump’s ”zero tolerance” immigration policy, was in court on Friday. And she made quite the fashion statement — literally.
Okoumou — who was charged with trespassing, disorderly conduct, and interference with governmental administration — took aim at first lady Melania Trump, wearing a dress with “I really care, why won’t u?” written on the front and back. She also trolled Melania’s “Be Best” initiative.
The first phrase mocks the infamous Zara jacket that Melania wore in June on her way to visit child detention centers in Texas, which read, “I really don’t care, do u?”
Her wardrobe choice was decried as tone-deaf and insensitive. Her spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, denied that there was any “hidden message,” while President Trump said the message was aimed at the “Fake News Media.”
“I REALLY DON’T CARE, DO U?” written on the back of Melania’s jacket, refers to the Fake News Media. Melania has learned how dishonest they are, and she truly no longer cares!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 21, 2018
The statement sparked a fashion movement, with people wearing their own “I care” jackets. But Okoumou took her wardrobe choice one step further. She also included on her dress the phrase “Be Best,” which refers to Melania’s initiative of the same name. It’s the anti-bullying platform that FLOTUS launched in January, which aims to teach children “the importance of social, emotional, and physical health.”
After the 40-minute hearing, Okoumou spoke outside to a group of supporters. “America, you motherf***ers, you drug addicts, you KKK, you fascist USA,” she chanted, according to video from the scene.
On July 5, she pleaded not guilty to the charges, she but faces a possible 1.5-year sentence if convicted. Today’s hearing was procedural, with her next court date scheduled for Oct. 1.
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