Schoolgirl killed herself after putting 'racially offensive picture' online and fearing backlash
Tributes have been paid to the teenager who was described as a talented gymnast who dreamed of being a midwife
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A teenage girl took her own life after posting an offensive image online and fearing she could be accused of racism as a result, a coroner’s court has heard.
Phoebe Connop, 16, was found dead at her home in Halesowen in the West Midlands on 7 July. An inquest into her death at Black Country Coroner’s Court heard that prior to her death, she had posted a photo in a group message among friends which she had altered to show herself with dark skin. The teenager had recently begun dating an Asian man and joked that she would have to look like the girl in the photo to get his family’s approval, The Daily Mail reports.
One of the members of the group chat shared the image online and Phoebe feared she may face a backlash and accusations of racism due to the insensitive image.
The inquest heard that she was working with her father during the summer holidays to earn some pocket money when she said she was feeling unwell one day and asked to be taken home. When Mr Connop returned to the family hom later in the evening, he found her dead body.
Detective Sergeant Katherine Tomkins told the inquest: “From speaking to her friends in the weeks following her death, we discovered that the image had circulated further than she wanted it to.
“There had been some negative reaction and she confided in her friend, who did take the image down at her request, that she was scared of what the reaction might be from the Asian community in her area.”
Tributes have been paid to the teenager who was described as a talented gymnast who dreamed of being a midwife.
Coroner Zafar Siddique recorded a conclusion of suicide. He said: “This is an absolute tragedy for the family and I can't imagine the pain and distress they are going through, as well as her friends.
“There is nothing I can say to help with the pain but I offer my sincere condolences.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments