Last Updated on February 17, 2021
The death of radio pioneer and legend Rush Limbaugh was announced on his show today by his wife, Kathryn. Almost instantly, Twitter allowed and seemingly promoted the hashtags “Good Riddance” and “Rot In Hell”, promoting them on the sidebar of the website’s trending section.
While conservatives of all stripes recognized the loss of a radio legend who helped shape the modern Republican Party with his voice and criticisms, Twitter and leftists celebrated the death of a the 70 year old.
I hate this hell site. pic.twitter.com/m9rhhPCiaP
— Tom Pappert | McConnell is a political hack (@realTomPappert) February 17, 2021
Those who used the two hashtags include verified journalists.
Nathan Bernard, a reporter for Mainer News in Maine, wrote, “goodbye Rush Limbaugh, may you rot in hell,” with a photo of the radio pioneer’s long defunct fashion line.
goodbye Rush Limbaugh, may you rot in hell with your dogshit ugly ties pic.twitter.com/dl9P8ciPrx
— Nathan Bernard (@nathanTbernard) February 17, 2021
Self described “queer” comic book writer, who has written for several comics aimed at children, wrote “Try to live your life in such a way that your death doesn’t trend with good riddance and rot in hell,” apparently missing that Twitter has admitted to rigging the trending news items.
https://twitter.com/PaulAllor/status/1362098830460809218
Jill Gutowitz, who writes for Vanity Fair, the New Yorker, and Vulture, wrote “‘trending with Rot in Hell’ is a vibe”.
"trending with 'Rot in Hell'" is a vibe https://t.co/EyFk7Fuljl
— Jill Gutowitz (@jillboard) February 17, 2021
NAACP president and pastor Bishop Talbert Swan wrote, “Bidding him good riddance or wishing him to rot in hell is being kind.”
Rush Limbaugh mocked people dying of AIDS, made fun of Parkinson’s disease, called America’s 1st Black president, ‘Barack the magic negroe’——he was a vile, pompous, white supremacist who spread racist hatred.
Bidding him good riddance or wishing him to rot in hell is being kind.
— Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) February 17, 2021
President Trump broke his uncharacteristic post-presidency silence to speak to Fox News about the passing of Limbaugh. In a solemn interview, he said “He was a fantastic man, a fantastic talent, and people, whether they loved him or not, they respected him. They really did.”
Limbaugh died at 70 years old after a year long battle with advanced lung cancer.
