Texas—The controversy surrounding Roda Osman, widely referred to as “Brick lady” on social media, sheds light on the challenges Black women face when speaking out about violence. Osman is a mother and current PhD student at the University of Texas at Autisn who went live last year revealing a man threw a brick at her face. She soon found herself in the crossfire of intense online criticism and harassment.
Despite promptly seeking medical attention and documenting the injuries through video evidence, Osman has faced relentless skepticism from Tik Tok, bloggers and critics. In an official statement, she expressed her frustration at being labeled a liar.
I am not on the run. I am not out of the country. I am in Houston. I have retained a lawyer. We are dealing with things properly. I look forward to my day in court to prove my innocence, Osman shared.
She is currently being charged with felony theft by deception, charges she say stem from filing a complaint November last year, citing biased treatment by the detective assigned to her case.
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Osman disclosed an email documenting her complaint, highlighting the detective’s dismissive attitude. Undeterred, she is determined to set the record straight, asserting that she is not on the run after failing to surrender this week. She is mother and has enlisted legal representation to navigate this troubling situation.
The alleged assailant, Olan Douglas, has provided his side of the story in interviews with local Houston news outlets, admitting to the assault. However, conflicting narratives emerge as police claim surveillance footage paints Osman as the aggressor, though no footage has been released to the public.
Adding another layer to the ordeal, Osman faces a ban from GoFundMe, citing a previous account linked to a donation request following a separate attack. Police say that no report was filed in that case, leaving Osman with restrictions on her ability to seek financial support.
Undeterred, Osman plans to turn herself in this week, emphasizing her commitment to justice despite the hurdles she has faced.
Statement from Roda Osman Jan. 20, 2024
“What is happening to me is retribution. I filed a grievance on officer Thorton before she filed charges against me. As a victim of blunt force trauma, I am not beholden to remember every detail of my attack. That is not a crime! The level of scrunity I am facing is unprecedented and a form of victim blaming. We must be weary of the perfect victim myth. I have never been seen as the victim I am. I have been criminalized since the moment I broke my silence and reported the violence Olan Douglas committed. People have used my trauma to exploit, and engage in infantile, egomaniac, and personal projections for internet content and financial gain. This is immoral and extremely violent.”
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