Controversial Commentator Ian Miles Cheong Reports Quarter of DMs are Death Threats

Controversial Malaysian-born commentator Ian Miles Cheong recently revealed that a significant portion of his direct messages (DMs) on social media platforms contain death threats. "I rarely read my DMs but when I do, at least a quarter of them are death threats," Cheong stated in a recent tweet. This disclosure highlights the persistent online harassment faced by public figures, particularly those engaged in polarizing political and cultural commentary.

Cheong, known for his right-wing views and extensive engagement with Western politics, has a documented history of receiving such threats. He has previously cited threats from "far-left transgender activists" related to his reporting, and his outspoken stance on issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict has also drawn intense backlash and threats. These incidents underscore the volatile nature of online discourse surrounding contentious topics.

The experience of receiving death threats online is not isolated to Cheong, reflecting a broader trend of severe online harassment. According to a March 2021 Statista report, 11% of social media users in the United States reported receiving death threats online, with this figure rising to 17% among users aged 18 to 29. This data illustrates the pervasive nature of such extreme forms of harassment across various online communities.

Cheong's public persona, which gained prominence during the Gamergate controversy and evolved into a focus on American political commentary, often places him at the center of heated debates. His frequent posts and opinions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) consistently generate strong reactions, including targeted harassment and even death hoaxes, such as the widely circulated false reports of his execution by the Malaysian government in early 2024. The recurrence of these threats and hoaxes points to a sustained campaign of online targeting.

The continuous influx of death threats into a public figure's private messages raises significant concerns about online safety and the mental well-being of individuals in the public eye. Such persistent and severe harassment can have profound impacts, potentially chilling free speech and contributing to a more hostile digital environment for all participants in public discourse.