10 years on: Chris Crocker’s insight into that video is deeply poignant
It's been ten years since the world came face to face with an anguished teen desperately defending his idol, Britney Spears.
In footage which has been viewed millions of times over the course of the last decade, Chris Crocker can be seen tearfully demanding that the press 'leave Britney alone'.
Due to both his theatrical delivery and the vaguely unsettling nature of the clip, chatshow hosts and comedians fell upon it with glee, instantly identifying material which they could parody time and time again.
And as the footage reaches its tenth birthday, the star of the clip has taken the time to reflect on both the video and the various reasons he set about creating it.
In an explanation which may stun many, Chris explained that his devotion to Britney was born of his own domestic situation.
"10 years ago on this day, I defended my favourite pop star against the media," he began in a post which has been liked more than 10,000 times.
— Chris Crocker (@ChrisCrocker) September 10, 2017
"Whie I'm known for doing comedy: This was the one video that I was serious in. That year, my mom was battling addiction and became homeless after serving for our country in Iraq."
"The struggles in my home life and family life made me defensive over any woman going through a hard time," Chris explained.
Reflecting on internet culture back in 2007, Chris continued: "[It] was a very different, less LGBT friendly place at the time. Nothing I said was listened to."
The aftermath of the video's release has stayed with Chris who recalled: "I was mocked for my feminity. I was called every gay slur in the book. Talk show hosts questioned if I was a man or a woman, after playing the clip."
Realising that the sentiment of his video was attracting mirth not understanding, Chris explained that he eventually played up to the 'cartoonish' perception the press and public had of him.
"But the truth is and always was about standing up for someone and not standing idly by when you see someone being hurt by others."
Gratefult to see a changing tide, Chris added: "In the 10 years since this video – a lot of LGBT YouTubers are celebrated for who they are. I often wonder if I had started videos later, if I would've been treated differenty."
Finishing the poignant post with a nod to his initial motivations, Chris concluded: "But what I will say is this: Even if I got a public beating for standing up for what's right; I'm happy I did. And I'll always love Britney Spears."
And with that, we're giving a standing ovation.
