kevin fournier and family.jpg
Kevin Fournier (second from left, seen here with his family) was the victim of internet bullying, said his brother Matt (left).
(Facebook)
EASTHAMPTON -- The community is rallying around Kevin Fournier, a well-known developmentally disabled man who was reportedly taunted and ridiculed in an online video posted to Facebook.
The alleged video, which has since been removed, was shot near Easthampton's DementedFX haunted house by a local woman, said Matt Fournier, Kevin Fournier's brother. (Demented FX has said the woman is not in any way affiliated with their organization.)
Reached by telephone, Matt Fournier said many people reached out to offer support and express outrage after watching the video. He took to Facebook to defend his brother, and his post has been "liked" and shared thousands of times:
Matt Fournier of Easthampton expressed his outrage over an alleged video that ridiculed his brother Kevin.
Kevin Fournier, 39, who grew up in Easthampton, is a familiar face to many in the Pioneer Valley. People in downtown Northampton know him as a long-time employee of Bruegger's Bagels -- but to Easthampton residents, he's the city's "number one sports fan."
"Kevin is the equipment manager for the high school hockey team," said Matt Fournier. "He travels with all the sports teams. He rides the bus with the cheerleaders! He never misses a game."
The alleged videographer is facing backlash on Facebook. "(She) has taken a gentle soul and publicly belittled him," wrote one man. "(She) takes pleasure in the plight of others and now has to face the ramifications of her actions."
"I'm so sorry and extremely angry that this happened," wrote another. "Kevin has been there for every game, sharing his beautiful spirit and giving everyone high fives. I'm 33 and he was at my high school games. We could always count on Kevin to boost our spirits!"
"Anyone who knows my brother knows what a sweet guy he is," said Matt. "He's one of the most loving and well-respected members of the community. I've heard from people all over the country who have disabled family members. Their stories are really moving. What she did is just not OK."
The woman who allegedly shot the video and posted it to Facebook did not respond to a request for comment.
Kevin Fournier is a well-known member of the Easthampton Community, seen here with an Easthampton Police Dept. vehicle.
Mary Serreze can be reached at mserreze@gmail.com