November 6, 2023
Alabama Pastor and Mayor Kills Himself After Article Exposes Love of Wearing Women's Clothing
Emell Adolphus READ TIME: 2 MIN.
F.L. "Bubba" Copeland was the mayor of Smiths Station and a pastor at First Baptist Church in Phenix City, Alabama. On Friday, the Lee County Sheriff's Office said Copeland shot himself in front of police during a welfare check, reported The Daily Beast.
Copeland was reportedly distraught after local conservative news website 1819 News published a story Wednesday exposing his love of wearing women's clothing and makeup. The story reportedly even included photos of Copeland.
In a post written by Craig Monger titled, "The secret life of Smiths Station Mayor and Baptist pastor F.L. 'Bubba' Copeland as a 'transgender curvy girl,'" Copeland was quoted as saying that wearing women's clothing is a hobby he does to "relieve stress."
What's more is 1819 News published Copeland's username for his Reddit and Instagram accounts, alleging that he posed "in various outfits, some more racy than others." The blog also alleged that Copeland went by "Brittni Blaire Summerlin" in some forums, posted pornography and advice on chemically transitioning.
1819 News, whose top editor is a former Breitbart News contributor, is owned by the right-wing Alabama Policy Institute. The blog outlet shared that Copeland asked them to not out him, but they proceeded with the post. According to the Daily Beast, Copeland did not appear to express any views against LGBTQ issues, so the article served little purpose other than to out Copeland.
1819 News addressed Copeland's suicide in a short note published Friday. However, Phenix City School Superintendent Larry DiChiara, who said he was an old friend of Copeland, responded with anger over Copeland's treatment.
In a Facebook post, he shared, "Please bare with me while I vent," he said. "I am so angry right now and heartbroken. I witnessed a good man be publicly ridiculed and crucified over the last few days... to the point that he just took his own life today.
"I just want to ask you people who thought it humorous to publicly ridicule him, 'Are you happy now?' What crime did he commit? Some of you people make me sick," DiCharia added. "I hope you are really proud. For our brother, F.L. Bubba Copeland, May God bless your soul and forgive those who took pleasure in your suffering. They should all be ashamed!"
