Comedian and [easyazon_link identifier=”1534306307″ locale=”US” tag=”boundingintocomics-20″]Happy![/easyazon_link] star Patton Oswalt used his large social media platform to spread some love in response to a man who took issue with Oswalt’s take on President Donald Trump’s wall. By the time everything was said and done he helped to raise over $30,000 for the man’s medical expenses.
It all started when Twitter user Michael Beatty responded to an anti-Trump poem that Oswalt posted. The poem consists of a Tweet in which the comedian took a jab at the President by suggesting he dine on a specific male body part:
You like pomes? I like pomes too! Here’s a pome I wroted:
ROSES ARE RED
TOMMY SHAW WAS IN STYX
YOU’RE GOING TO RESIGN
EAT A BUCKET OF DICKS https://t.co/PtfkFoUlIk— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) January 23, 2019
Beatty responded by expressing his joy that Oswalt’s character in Blade Trinity was killed.
I just realized why I was so happy you died in Blade Trinity!
— Michael Beatty (@MichaelBeatty) January 24, 2019
He even took a shot at Oswalt’s basketball skills.
And you shoot basketball ike the sawed off little man you are.
— Michael Beatty (@MichaelBeatty) January 24, 2019
Here’s where things get interesting. See in most cases one would assume that someone with a huge social media presence like Patton Oswalt wouldn’t have given the comment the time of day.
However, Oswalt took his own shot Beatty.
Dude, I already know: ‘cuz “…one more second of you on screen and my heart would belong to Patton Oswalt.” I get told this at least twice a week by Trump supporters. It always makes me smile and I’m grateful and blessed. https://t.co/nrivTIf6u7
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) January 24, 2019
But Oswalt would actually look into Beatty’s timeline and discover that he’s not only a Vietnam veteran, but that he’s been going through some tough times including suffering Sepsis and Diabetic Ketoacidosis. Beatty even created a GoFundMe to help pay for his hospital bills.
Oswalt would then Tweet to his over 4 million followers to help donate to Beatty “just like I’m about to.”
Aw, man. This dude just attacked me on Twitter and I joked back but then I looked at his timeline and he’s in a LOT of trouble health-wise. I’d be pissed off too. He’s been dealt some shitty cards — let’s deal him some good ones. Click and donate — just like I’m about to. https://t.co/6zRdZ430WG
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) January 24, 2019
Oswalt would make a donation of $2,000 and his Tweet would help the GoFundMe reach over $47,000 as of this writing.
Following Oswalt’s charitable act, Beatty was deeply moved and stated that he was humbled by the actions of the comedian.
Patton. You have humbled me to the point where I can barely compose my words. You have caused me to take pause and reflect on how harmful words from my mouth could result in such an outpouring. Thank you for this and I will pass this on to my cousin who needs help. A cascade. pic.twitter.com/6Is7KflPeY
— Michael Beatty (@MichaelBeatty) January 24, 2019
Beatty would tweet again thanking Oswalt and all the other supporters who chipped in during his time of need.
I want to thank everyone who came to my aid with generous outpourings- and also to @pattonoswalt without whom I would not be the recipient of so much love and support. I’m not a man who ever cries but I had to wait to send this. And to quote Stuart on Big Bang “meat tonight”! pic.twitter.com/r4Kc9zYk7E
— Michael Beatty (@MichaelBeatty) January 24, 2019
Patton replied to the heartfelt tweet with his well-known humor.
See, THIS is why compassion and forgiveness are the best — wait, you CRIED?!? You fuckin’ pussy! Donation CANCELLED. https://t.co/NkgNb6tmG5
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) January 24, 2019
Shortly afterward, Patton Oswalt commented on how it was a great way to end the day. He even tried to encourage more positive actions by suggesting to “pay this forward.”
What a great way to end the day. If you want to pay this forward, maybe find a GoFundMe for a furloughed government worker who’s feeling the pinch? Or make a big-ass haul o’ goodies to your local food bank? Something? Anything? https://t.co/FSEowiBuyn
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) January 25, 2019
Though it’s obvious that Oswalt and Beatty have very different political opinions, they showed each other compassion and grace at the end of it. It’s great to see Patton Oswalt put aside political difference and help someone in need.