Nick Fuentes' Groypers Face Backlash After CNN Interview: A Lesson in Online Toxicity

John Lawrence, a devoted follower of white nationalist podcaster Nick Fuentes, last week posted a picture of himself and another Fuentes supporter being interviewed by CNN reporter Donie O’Sullivan.

For Lawrence, who regularly shares clips of Fuentes with his 40,000-plus followers on Instagram, the interview was a chance to gain prominence. In the caption, he wrote that he and his friend were “mogging” O’Sullivan—meaning they believed they looked stronger or more handsome than the journalist.

However, the situation quickly turned sour. As pictures of the still-unreleased CNN interview circulated online, Fuentes himself intervened, criticizing Lawrence and another follower for their appearance.

Fuentes’ Public Shaming of His Followers

In a Telegram post, Fuentes wrote, “Can someone come kill me immediately,” while zooming in on Lawrence’s clunky taupe loafers.

He continued, “Do not claim to represent me if you are dressed like that and are +25 BMI,” posting a picture of Lawrence and his companion walking with O’Sullivan, both wearing shirts featuring Fuentes’ face.

Fuentes concluded by sharing an image of Family Guy’s Peter Griffin jumping out of a window, presumably to his death. His followers quickly joined in the criticism.

• One posted a cartoon of a quivering Lawrence, his belly hanging out of his shirt, preparing for the interview.
• A pro-Fuentes streamer known as “Beardson Beardly” declared in an online chat that he couldn’t wait for Lawrence “to be doxed and have his life ruined forever.”

None of this backlash stemmed from what Lawrence actually said to O’Sullivan—since the interview had not yet been released. The criticism was solely based on Lawrence’s appearance and fashion choices.

What This Incident Reveals About the Groyper Community

The backlash against Lawrence underscores the toxic and hypocritical nature of online mob behavior, particularly within the ‘groyper’ community. It also highlights the internal contradictions and public relations challenges faced by alt-right figures like Fuentes, who often rely on their followers for support.