She is aware of what kids do online, including the threats, sextortion, bullying, and texting, but nothing prepared her for the animosity she encountered this month in a classroom full of 12 and 13-year-old students.
A group of guys began yelling derogatory remarks about the women featured in Pendergast’s presentation, which is typical of misogynistic internet influencers, minutes into the first session of her three scheduled speeches at an Australian high school.
Teachers attempted to quiet them, but a girl in the front row made the last, profane remark that broke Pendergast’s façade and caused the special guest speaker to cry and leave the room.
Pendergast posted a selfie video shortly after, saying, “I can’t believe I’m crying on film on here.”
