Truth rating: 10
4:53 pm, March 16th, 2012
(NBC)
Jason Russell, co-founder of the Invisible Children group behind the “KONY 2012″ viral video, was arrested in San Diego on Thursday for alleged public intoxication and masturbation.
Police took Russell into custody after receiving several calls reporting a partially undressed man behaving bizarrely and allegedly vandalizing cars in the Pacific Beach area.
He’s now hospitalized on a 5150 psychiatric hold so officials can gauge his mental state and determine whether he represents a threat to himself and others.
As of now, no criminal charges have been filed.
Invisible Children has issued this statement:
“Jason Russell was unfortunately hospitalized yesterday suffering from exhaustion, dehydration, and malnutrition. He is now receiving medical care and is focused on getting better.”
It continues, “The past two weeks have taken a severe emotional toll on all of us, Jason especially, and that toll manifested itself in an unfortunate incident yesterday.”
“Jason’s passion and his work have done so much to help so many, and we are devastated to see him dealing with this personal health issue. We will always love and support Jason, and we ask that you give his entire family privacy during this difficult time,” concludes the statement.
The “KONY 2012″ video, which seeks to draw attention to atrocities committed by Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony, has already accumulated more than 80 million views since going online March 5.
Dozens of celebrities have endorsed the short film’s message.
Gossip Cop will have updates.
Follow @GossipCop on Twitter!
Like us on Facebook!
