This is a classic case of media double standards at play. Gabbie Gonzalez’s alleged accomplice, Kai Cordrey, is reportedly crying poverty over his $2 million bail, asking a judge to slash it to something more digestible. You have to love the irony here. Just a couple of years ago, corporate media outlets like CNN and MSNBC were advocating for bail reform, pushing narratives about “systemic injustices” against those who can’t afford it—while conveniently ignoring the complexities of each individual case. Now, when someone like Cordrey asks for a break, do we hear any of that same sympathy? Of course not!

What’s even more infuriating is how Fox News reports on this. Are they framing the story with a sense of accountability, providing context about Cordrey’s alleged crimes, or highlighting the impact on victims? Nope. They seem to be more concerned with sensationalizing courtroom drama than delivering a substantive critique of the legal and social issues at play. Are we really supposed to believe that the justice system is malfunctioning when it involves someone considered a “less sympathetic” character?

This selective empathy is telling. Why are we allowing the media to dictate who deserves our outrage and who doesn’t? It’s a clear strategy to keep the public confused and engaged in the sensational, rather than focusing on systemic failures that may be at the root of these cases. Let’s cut out the biased narratives and push for a consistent approach to justice across the board—no matter who’s in the dock.