Toronto Star Slammed For 'Insensitive' Robin Williams Tweet

The Toronto Star was heavily criticized on Twitter Tuesday after posting a tribute to Robin Williams that wasn't considered appropriate given the circumstances surrounding his death.

The following quote from the film "Jumanji" appeared on its Twitter account:

It was soon hit with a series of comments from people who felt it was insensitive, especially amid online discussion about depression and mental health.

@henderstu @TorontoStar What? How incredibly tone-deaf... As a reader, would like to see this removed/corrected immediately.
— Tabassum Siddiqui (@TabSiddiqui) August 12, 2014

@TorontoStar What a horribly insensitive quote to be circulating.
— Janet N. Hatcher (@jnhatcher) August 12, 2014

@TorontoStar you do realize that he was quoting his mean, overbearing dad right?
— Zack Kotzer (@ZaaackKoootzer) August 12, 2014

The newspaper eventually responded to readers individually.

@henderstu It was a quote from Jumanji and was not meant to offend. We apologize.
— TorontoStar (@TorontoStar) August 12, 2014

@henderstu It was a poor choice of quote given the context. Our apologies
— TorontoStar (@TorontoStar) August 12, 2014

@_rachelcollier We certainly never meant to be insensitive to the mental health issue - the staffer sharing it just loved Jumanji
— TorontoStar (@TorontoStar) August 12, 2014

Related Links:
- Sandra Charron: "Robin Williams' Death Proves Depression Can't Be Fought With Laughs"
- Elizabeth Hawksworth: "Don't Call Robin Williams' Death A Waste"
- Erica Lenti: "Williams' Death Makes Me Think Of Myself Back On The Edge Of That Subway Platform"