Citizen cartoonist feels caught in online backlash over firing

An editorial cartoonist says his character has been maligned and career prospects damaged after he was caught up in the online backlash resulting from a New Brunswick newspaper group cutting ties with another artist.

Greg Perry issued a statement to CBC News saying he has opted not to accept an offer from Brunswick News Inc. to replace Michael de Adder, who drew international support after his contract was terminated last week.

Perry did not respond to repeated requests for comment from The Canadian Press.

De Adder learned his 17-year arrangement with the New Brunswick media powerhouse was being scrapped a day after he posted a cartoon online showing U.S. President Donald Trump playing golf next to the bodies of two migrants who drowned trying to cross into Texas.

De Adder says he was not given a reason for the termination, but says he believes his prominent social media presence, which includes strong anti-Trump opinions, played a role.

Brunswick News has said it struck a deal to work with Perry weeks before de Adder was let go and noted that the decision had nothing to do with the Trump cartoon in question, which it was never offered for publication.

Perry told CBC the use of his name in connection with the entire saga led social media users to “destroy” both his character and cartoon work.

Brunswick News says it offers its full support to Perry, who it describes as a talented cartoonist who has been “unfairly maligned” by recent online commentary.

De Adder has also expressed his support for Perry, issuing a tweet Tuesday that stressed that his fellow cartoonist found himself in a “situation that has nothing to do with him.”

Perry told CBC he wouldn’t wish what had happened to him on anyone.