Jason Russell, the man behind the viral Kony 2012 video and co-founder of Invisible Children, was detained by police in San Diego on Thursday after a man was reported being possibly drunk, vandalizing cars and masturbating in public, according to NBC San Diego.
Invisible Children's CEO Ben Keesey released a statement on Friday saying:
“Jason Russell was unfortunately hospitalized yesterday suffering from exhaustion, dehydration, and malnutrition. He is now receiving medical care and is focused on getting better. The past two weeks have taken a severe emotional toll on all of us, Jason especially, and that toll manifested itself in an unfortunate incident yesterday. Jason’s passion and his work have done so much to help so many, and we are devastated to see him dealing with this personal health issue. We will always love and support Jason, and we ask that you give his entire family privacy during this difficult time.”
Since “Kony 2012” was released on YouTube March 5, it has attracted almost 80 million views and garnered both praise and condemnation. Critics claim the film oversimplifies the crisis in Uganda and leaves out important details about Joseph Kony, a man wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes.
Invisible Children has gone on the defensive, making the media rounds and explaining the motivation to “make Kony famous,” as the film pleads.
The team at Sojourners extends our thoughts and prayers both to Jason and his family. We ask that Sojo readers and supporters do the same.
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