L.A. Material Interviews Joseph McNally on Cyberstalking Issue at UCLA
L.A. Material interviewed Joseph McNally about 27-year-old social media figure Joseph Freeman, who went viral for filming and confronting fraternity members at UCLA, notably those of Sigma Chi, and for accusing them of privilege or serious misconduct to provoke reactions for content.
His videos have gained large followings, and people have claimed that off-camera there is more troubling behavior. Based on court records, police reports, and interviews, multiple people across several states accuse Freeman of harassment, including repeated phone calls, contacting family members, and intimidation that made some fear for their safety. Despite arrests and complaints, Freeman has not been prosecuted, and students are concerned.
McNally told L.A. Material that prosecutors must often prioritize cyberstalkers who pose a physical threat, and added, “That’s oftentimes dispiriting to victims. If you are on the other side of this, a DA coming back and saying, ‘We get it but we’re not going to charge him,’ can be really disappointing because this type of conduct can have a real impact on somebody’s life.”
