Nex Benedict (they/them), a 16-year-old student at a public high school in Owasso, Oklahoma, died on Feb. 8 after being beaten in the school’s restroom the day before.
School officials dispute reports the adult who broke up the fight failed to engage the school nurse, send Nex to the hospital, or inform the police. Police reported Nex’s grandmother took them to the hospital that night and reported the fight to the police. Nex was released from the hospital and rushed back the following day when they were pronounced dead.
As news of Benedict’s death gains increasing visibility across the country, notable celebrities and politicians are using their platforms to speak out and dedicate space to the memory of Nex. Here’s a list of statements so far.
Paris Hilton:
This situation is truly so horrific. No child should experience bullying for authentically being themself 💔 I hope the school and the girls are held accountable #NexBenedict https://t.co/yELimdqyeB
— ParisHilton (@ParisHilton) February 21, 2024
Devery Jacobs:
Utterly devastating 💔
This *Choctaw, non-binary child deserved so much better.
We must do more to protect our trans, non-binary and two-spirit youth. 💔 https://t.co/jreSJaagi1
— Devery Jacobs (@kdeveryjacobs) February 21, 2024
Matt Bernstein:
Lily Gladstone:
Nicole Maines:
1: their name is Nex
2: they didn’t just die, they were killed.
3: it wasn’t a fight, it was three girls beating them in a school bathroom.
4: this is the kind of reporting that contributes to the environment that is killing these kids. https://t.co/hZEqgxb74a— Nicole Maines 🟧 (@NicoleAMaines) February 21, 2024
V Sephar:
@underthedesknews #nexbenedict #oklahoma #owasso #owassohighschool #owassooklahoma #justicefornex ♬ original sound – UnderTheDeskNews
“I’ve Had It” podcast:
@ivehaditpodcast Nex Benedict. #fyp #fypシ #foryoupage #nex #nexbenedict #oklahoma #libsoftiktok #lgbt🌈 #queer #lgbt🏳️🌈 ♬ Inspiring Emotional Piano – Metrow Ar
Alejandra Caraballo:
@ivehaditpodcast Nex Benedict. #fyp #fypシ #foryoupage #nex #nexbenedict #oklahoma #libsoftiktok #lgbt🌈 #queer #lgbt🏳️🌈 ♬ Inspiring Emotional Piano – Metrow Ar
Alok:
Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary:
Every young person deserves to feel safe and supported at school. Our hearts are with Nex Benedict’s family, their friends, and their entire school community in the wake of this horrific tragedy. https://t.co/pNIkoCOD8T
— Karine Jean-Pierre (@PressSec) February 21, 2024
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi:
Nex Benedict’s death from a brutal assault in their high school bathroom is outrageous and heartbreaking.
The anti-trans fervor fueled by extreme Republicans across the country is having deadly consequences for our children.
We must stand up against anti-trans hate. https://t.co/zSMxEa5FFj
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) February 21, 2024
Senator Elizabeth Warren:
The killing of Nex Benedict is gut-wrenching and underscores the danger of extremists who are dehumanizing kids with anti-trans hate in Oklahoma and across the country. Every student should feel safe at school and supported for who they are.
Nex deserves justice. https://t.co/oRgch51ZXO
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) February 21, 2024
Senator Ed Markey:
Nex Benedict should still have their entire life ahead of them. The loss of this 16-year-old non-binary, native student is heartbreaking and infuriating. We must do better. We must pass the Transgender Bill of Rights, confront hatred and bigotry, and protect trans kids.
— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) February 22, 2024
Senator Tammy Baldwin:
The killing of Nex Benedict is heartbreaking. Non-binary and trans kids deserve to feel safe and welcome everywhere, especially at school. I’ll never stop fighting to end this epidemic of hate-filled violence against LGBTQ+ youth. https://t.co/wD0WdEowOw
— Tammy Baldwin (@tammybaldwin) February 22, 2024
Congresswoman Cori Bush:
Anti-trans rhetoric leads to anti-trans violence.
My heart is with the loved ones of Nex Benedict, a non-binary Indigenous teenager who died after being brutally beaten at their high school.
We must continue to legislate to end bigotry & hate in all its forms. https://t.co/hqxHADgfoP
— Congresswoman Cori Bush (@RepCori) February 22, 2024
Governor Phil Murphy:
We are devastated by the tragic death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict, whose passing underscores the danger of anti-LGBTQIA+ hate across our country.
To our LGBTQIA+ communities here in New Jersey, you are loved. Violence and hatred have no place here.https://t.co/eFZwuBEPJ8
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) February 22, 2024
