It looks like Geoffrey Owens is getting the last laugh after he was spotted working hard for a living and then shamed for it by Fox News.
After the news station took aim at the Cosby Show actor for holding a regular 9-to-5 at a Trader Joe’s supermarket, the social media reaction has been to fiercely defend Owens for doing nothing more than trying to make a living.
Geoffrey Owens was just minding his own business when he was spotted wearing a dirty shirt (presumably from working hard in it all day) while he bagged groceries at a Trader Joe’s store in New Jersey. A customer saw the former TV star, who played Elvin Tibideaux on The Cosby Show, and took a picture.
The story made headlines over Labor Day weekend as several celebrity news sites across the internet mocked and shamed Owens for trying to earn a paycheck.
The story got even bigger when Fox News picked it up, but it all seemed to backfire on those looking to shame Owens as stars and fans alike then took to social media to praise him for doing what had to be done.
Those rallying behind the actor included Tami Roman, June Ambrose and Ebro Darden.
#NOSHAME in good, honest, hard work. He’s being a man in doing what he needs to do to provide for himself and his family. Much respect to you Sir! https://t.co/rQoNdnj6bd
— Blair Underwood (@BlairUnderwood) September 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/JustineBateman/status/1035713958907269120
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnPxeb_jFYq/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=avrf7i0c693y
Even more touching were the stories that began to pour in about what an amazing human being Geoffrey Owens is. It turns out that the married father of one does way more than act in television shows and bag groceries at Trader Joe’s. He also volunteers at schools and helps those in need.
Geoffrey Owens volunteering at my school! Teaching acting to kids that normally would not get the chance! Fox news owes him a public appology! This type of reporting needs to stop! pic.twitter.com/TavqCv5s4B
— Glenn Cotler (@gcotler) September 1, 2018
An act of kindness. Twenty-two years ago while I was in college, #GeoffreyOwens and his wife found out that I didn't have enough food to eat. I hardly knew them. They bought me bags of groceries and hugged me as I cried – shocked by their kindness. A hero stands tall anywhere. pic.twitter.com/A14ywAPFo3
— ForestGuider (@ForestGuider) September 3, 2018
While many have brought negativity to the situation and bizarrely shamed the former Cosby Show actor for holding down a job, others are bringing to light the many great things he has done.
Hopefully, all the attention that has been thrown in Owens’ direction will turn into a huge positive as we remember on Labor Day that there is absolutely nothing wrong with hitting a timeclock and earning a living.