By Aaron Miller-
“Bubba” Copeland, (pictured)the mayor of Smiths Station, Alabama, died in an apparent suicide just days after a right-wing website published private photos of him wearing women’s clothes and makeup.
The tragic incident occurred when Mr. Copeland fatally shot himself on Friday, as reported by Sky’s US partner, NBC News.
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Mr. Copeland had previously pleaded with the website not to publish the private photographs, but the website decided to go ahead with the story. Just two days later, he was found dead.
Mr. Copeland had stated, “What I do in my private life has nothing to do with what I do in my holy life. Does this have any effect on me being mayor, that I sometimes put on a dress or sometimes put on makeup? Does that have anything to do whatsoever with me being mayor or being a pastor?”
The conservative publication responsible for the story faced condemnation from Democratic Senator Doug Jones of Alabama. He expressed his sadness and disgust at the treatment of Mr. Copeland, highlighting the harsh and bitter world we live in, where the self-righteous often pass judgment.
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Senator Jones went on to emphasize that Mr. Copeland had been a good man and a great mayor who had led Smiths Station through the tough times of a devastating tornado a few years ago.
An autopsy to determine the official cause of death is scheduled for Monday.
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