Late last year the name “Sharkeisha” was floating around because of a particularly graphic video where the young woman of the same name was taped attacking her former friend, Sha’Michael Manuel, and all of this was over a boy. Soon after the video went viral and a mix of appropriate horror and inappropriate laughs came from the public, Manuel and her mother spoke about what happened, and their pain over the video going viral. If you’ll recall, Manuel said this about the video and falling out with her former friend:
“I was just in shock. I was like oh my God. Did she really do this? You’re supposed to be my close friend. We were talking in school earlier that day. She made it seem like there was nothing wrong with her.
It is hurting and crushing to me. I felt humiliated and embarrassed and hurt at the same time.”
Since then, Sharkeisha has been charged with a misdemeanor and Manuel was forced to try and move on with the world making up rumors about her committing suicide and even dating rapper Chief Keef, as well as complete strangers laughing and terrorizing her online. But Manuel is pushing back from all that and has teamed up with the Vivoman Live To Stand Anti-Bullying campaign to let people know that what was done to her is wrong. In an interview with Carlton Jordan, she spoke about finishing her high school career through home schooling, the pain the video caused her and if she forgives Sharkeisha. Here’s an excerpt of the full conversation:
Why She Joined The Anti-Bullying Campaign
When Vivoman reached out to me they just wanted me to share my story with them. But my mom and I felt it was a good platform and people might listen better. I had actually told my mom I wanted to join one or start my own to speak out.
Why She Chose Not To Return To School
For the sake of focusing on my final semester of my senior year, I have chosen to home school. I feel as long as I continue my education and speak out against bullying I’m still helping because being silent still allows the bully the power of control.
If She Pressed Charges Against Sharkeisha And Thought The Girl Should Face Jail Time
I did feel she should serve jail time and do community service speaking to kids about her actions, Yes I did press charges.
If She Forgives Sharkeisha
I do forgive her from the bottom of my heart it helps me none to stay angry, my mom teaches us to forgive. I have not spoken with her directly but my sister did let her know that I and my family forgive her.
How She Feels About That Infamous Video And Watching “Fight Videos” Online
I have watched a fight before on there and didn’t like it. It was terrible and I felt it should not have been on the Internet. I still feel the same about mine that they should not be on the Internet.
Glad to see this brave young lady moving forward with her life and not holding on to anger. Check out the full interview over at CarltonJordan.com and let us know what you think of what Manuel had to say.
