Alabama Mayor Bubba Copeland Commits Suicide Amid Controversy Over Online Alter Ego, Community Raises Concerns About Online Bullying and Outing

Mayor Copeland endured significant shaming online, as matters of his personal life were disclosed without his consent; experts highlight the damaging effects of non-consensual outing and its potential contribution to mental health crises.

Alabama mayor and preacher, F.L. 'Bubba' Copeland, committed suicide after a conservative website called 1819 News revealed his online alter ego where he posted personal photos of himself cross-dressing and pictures of community members on adult websites.
Before Bubba's suicide, friends expressed concern for his mental health. Some individuals, including former Phenix City School Superintendent Larry DiChiara, reached out to him offering support amid the increasing online attacks.
The articles by 1819 News also alleged that Copeland wrote violent fantasy fiction featuring real people from his community, causing distress and panic among those individuals whose names and images were used without their permission.
Ahead of his suicide, Copeland publicly apologized in his last sermon for any embarrassment caused by his private and personal life coming to the public light, insisting he was not what the articles portrayed.
Experts highlight the potential dangers and mental health impact resulting from outing—a practice of disclosing a person’s orientation or gender identity without their consent; copeland's activities online were revealed in this manner which might have contributed to the distress leading to his suicide.