Martin Shkreli's Twitter Fans Call Him A ‘Humanitarian’ And A ‘Genius;' Media Biased?
Martin Shkreli's Twitter fans are calling him a "humanitarian" and a "genius," claiming that the media is being biased in portraying the disliked pharmaceutical executive.
USA Today reported on how the drug entrepreneur was silent yet cocky during a congress hearing last Thursday. The 32-year-old has been in the news for his controversial decision to increase the price of life-saving drug Daraprim by more than 5,000% - from $13.50 to $750. The medicine is used to treat toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease that affects people with AIDS and other persons with weakened immune systems.
The now high-profile businessman was called to congress because of the controversy and other related fraud and regulatory issues. However, the alleged "new poster child of capitalistic greed" kept citing his Fifth Amendment right to not implicate himself.
However, after the hearing, Martin Shkreli went to Twitter after the hearing to air his real sentiments about the issue.
"Hard to accept that these imbeciles represent the people in our government," the former CEO of Turning Pharmaceuticals scoffed.
"I am confident I will prevail. The allegations against me are baseless and without merit," he added in another tweet.
Since the tweet went public, several fans took to defend the embattled businessman.
"Martin Shkreli is an entrepreneur, an intellect, but above all a humanitarian," one follower said, seconded by other similar posts.
"A lot of people are hating on you but, you're a genius and on the top of the line," another fan praised.
Messages of support were retweeted by the controversial personality, specifically how people emphasized the media's unfair portrayal of him.
"He is a victim of the uninformed and extremely biased media," a commenter posted.
"I hated you at first because [of] the media, [but] after researching you and what you have done for people, I wish [you] all the best," another fan commented.
Other Martin Shkreli Twitter followers shared how they changed their mind about him after a sympathetic Vice interview.
"Youtube his Vice interview," one follower posted. "He's not the evil pharm villain congress makes him out to be. He is a legit businessman."
