When Brittany Simon Defends HasanAbi — And Why That’s Surprising

Okay, I’ve got to say something about this because it’s genuinely baffling. Brittany Simon — someone who, in the past, has been very clear about not defending these “streamer bros” and calling out bad behavior in online spaces — suddenly seems to be defending HasanAbi. And I’m just sitting here going, what?

It’s confusing on multiple levels. Brittany has built a reputation for holding influencers accountable, for criticizing performative leftist content, and for refusing to let streamer culture off the hook when it veers into exploitation, harassment, or hypocrisy. So to see her siding with Hasan in this situation — or at least, not calling it out outright — feels like a jarring shift.

Why is it surprising? Because this isn’t some minor, inconsequential action. We’re talking about a clip that appears to show a dog in distress, possibly harmed by its owner, who also happens to be a prominent leftist figure. That’s serious. And yet, someone who usually stands firm against the misuse of power in online communities is suddenly quiet or even defensive.

I get it — people have loyalties, audiences, friendships, and communities. But defending or downplaying alleged abuse sets a dangerous precedent. It signals that certain people are untouchable, that some actions are forgivable simply because of who commits them or which side of politics they’re on. That’s exactly the kind of inconsistency that undermines credibility, not just for Hasan, but for everyone who claims to stand for ethics and empathy online.

The bigger issue here isn’t just Brittany’s stance — it’s that her position highlights a broader trend among progressives online: selective accountability. It’s a “we hold everyone accountable, except for people we like” approach. And that’s exactly the kind of reasoning that allows harmful behavior to continue unchecked, even within communities that pride themselves on justice and morality.

So yeah, seeing Brittany Simon defend HasanAbi — or hesitate to critique him — is surprising. And honestly, it’s a reminder that loyalty and fandom can cloud judgment, even for people who are usually principled. If we want to be consistent and truly progressive, we have to be willing to call out wrongdoing, no matter who commits it, even if that person is one of the biggest leftist streamers online.

Silence, defensiveness, or excuses aren’t ethical. They’re complicity. And in this case, I’m disappointed to see someone who usually gets it right, fall into the same trap.