Target’s online website is no longer hosting Daily Wire podcast host and children’s author Matt Walsh’s “Johnny the Walrus,” the cultural warrior said Friday.
The Daily Wire has reached out to Target but did not receive a response by publication. We will update if one is offered.
Amazon, too, predictably caved to pressure, removing the children’s book from the top spot in the site’s “LGBTQ+” category, following demands from LGBT activists for its removal.
“The canceling begins,” Walsh posted Friday. “Target has removed Johnny the Walrus from their website. No explanation has been given.”
The canceling begins. Target has removed Johnny the Walrus from their website. No explanation has been given. pic.twitter.com/ZnI0s62e9n
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) December 10, 2021
In true Walsh fashion, the author added some commentary sure to drive his critics insane. “I am beginning to feel deeply marginalized and unsafe as an LGBT author and thought leader,” he wrote. “Jussie Smollett is not the victim of an anti-gay hate crime but I am.”
Jussie Smollett is not the victim of an anti-gay hate crime but I am
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) December 10, 2021
Daily Wire editor emeritus Ben Shapiro stood up for Walsh, too. “Target’s trans-walrusphobia is unconscionable,” he mocked. “This intolerance and hatred against the LGTQW+ community must end. You can buy Matt’s plea for tolerance and inclusion at johnnythewalrus.com. #StandWithMatt.”
Target's trans-walrusphobia is unconscionable. This intolerance and hatred against the LGTQW+ community must end. You can buy Matt's plea for tolerance and inclusion at https://t.co/eJ1dJlBPw2. #StandWithMatt https://t.co/mL9JjYW4sV
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) December 10, 2021
“Johnny the Walrus” features a young boy named Johnny, who has a wild imagination. The child envisions himself as many things, including a walrus. His progressive mom knows her boy is a boy, but becomes pressured by her friends on social media to treat and “transition” her child to live his true identity as a walrus. Mom is faced with the choice of either protecting her son or pleasing her friends.
Mere hours after the book was released on November 29, it hit number one on the Amazon Movers & Shakers list, and hours later sold out. (If you’re looking to reserve copies, you can reserve them here; Daily Wire members, as usual, receive discounted pricing.)
And then it became the top-selling book in the LGBTQ+ category at Amazon, prompting Walsh to respond thusly: “I now have the number one LGBT book in the country. Any further criticism of me or my book is now homophobic. Checkmate.”
Activists lost their minds and demanded “Johnny the Walrus” be pulled.
Amazon, of course, quickly complied. In a statement sent to LGBTQ Nation, an Amazon spokesperson confirmed “Johnny the Walrus” had been removed from the LGBTQ+ category.
“We have recategorized this title from LGBTQ+ to Political and Social Commentary, to better reflect the content,” the spokesperson said. “While we understand that many may find this book objectionable, it does not violate our guidelines and remains available for sale.”
“Amazon has removed my bestselling LGBT children’s book from their LGBT book list,” Walsh alerted followers on Friday. “This is an unconscionable attack on gay rights and a horrific example of homophobia and gay erasure.”
Amazon has removed my bestselling LGBT children’s book from their LGBT book list. This is an unconscionable attack on gay rights and a horrific example of homophobia and gay erasure. pic.twitter.com/AZeyqp66Ps
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) December 10, 2021
“I’m the most attacked and persecuted LGBT author in America,” the podcast host snarked, reacting to his critics.
I’m the most attacked and persecuted LGBT author in America https://t.co/tImj3TWMYR
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) December 10, 2021
“This is gay erasure,” he wrote in another tweet. “You are attacking the most important LGBT voice in modern American history. Shame on you.”
This is gay erasure. You are attacking the most important LGBT voice in modern American history. Shame on you. https://t.co/OrT792KVlh
— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) December 10, 2021
Related: Activists Demand Matt Walsh’s ‘Johnny The Walrus’ Be Removed As Amazon’s Top ‘LGBTQ+’ Book
Related: Matt Walsh’s ‘Johnny The Walrus’ Hits #1 On Amazon’s ‘LGBTQ+’ List. His Response Is Priceless.
Related: Matt Walsh’s Children’s Book Sells Out On Amazon In Matter Of Hours. Here’s How To Get Your Copy.