Entertainment
David Simon Claps Back at Troll Criticizing ‘The Wire’ Authenticity
David Simon, creator of the critically acclaimed HBO series ‘The Wire,’ recently fired back at a social media troll who claimed the show was a ‘fantasy’ that inaccurately portrayed Black gangs as ‘sophisticated.’ The exchange occurred on X, formerly Twitter, where Simon defended the authenticity of the series, which aired from 2002 to 2008.
The troll had described ‘The Wire’ as ‘an excellent series but total fantasy,’ arguing that Black gangs were ‘not that sophisticated, skilled, and organized.’ Simon, who co-created the show with former Baltimore police detective Ed Burns, responded by highlighting Burns’ real-life experience as a lead investigator in drug cases. ‘Ed Burns, the co-creator of the television narrative, was the lead investigator on the Title III cases that encountered all of the counter-surveillance and organizational depth inherent in the Baltimore drug game. We used the real,’ Simon tweeted.
Simon, a former police reporter, didn’t hold back in his response, calling the critic a ‘racist mutt.’ He also clarified that he only returned to X briefly to address the comment, as he primarily uses Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform. ‘No. But someone sent me that [tweet] on Bluesky, and I had to slide over for a quick f**k-you,’ Simon explained.
‘The Wire’ is widely regarded as one of the most authentic portrayals of urban life, exploring the narcotics trade in Baltimore through the perspectives of law enforcement, drug dealers, and users. Despite its critical acclaim, the series never won major awards, though it remains a cultural touchstone for its nuanced storytelling and social commentary.
Simon’s response has reignited discussions about the show’s legacy and its impact on how media portrays marginalized communities. Fans praised Simon for standing up to the troll, with many noting that his defense of the show’s authenticity underscores its enduring relevance.