Media Outlets Tried to Shame Actor for Working at Trader Joe’s, But People Aren’t Having It

The term “starving artist” is a real thing — especially those that are working creatives with zero financial help from family. But it seems as if Fox News and Daily Mail are completely clueless to the daily struggles of artists. Take for example this ignorant coverage that has social media in an uproar.

This weekend the two news outlets covered the fact that actor Geoffrey Owens has a side hustle at Trader Joe’s. Why is this news? The media outlets are shaming Owens — who memorably appeared on The Cosby Show for several seasons — for working as a cashier. Oh the shame!

Here’s their headlines: “From learning lines to serving the long line! The Cosby Show star Geoffrey Owens is spotted working as a cashier at Trader Joe’s in New Jersey” and “‘Cosby Show’ actor Geoffrey Owens spotted bagging groceries at NJ Trader Joe’s.” The story is even more infuriating.  According to the Daily Mail:

“The medical secretary, from Clifton, said: ‘I was just in Trader Joe’s and I said to my wife, I said, ‘Wait a minute, that’s the guy from The Cosby Show.’

She looked at him and said, “It looks like him. He’s a little heavier.”

‘I pulled up a site on the internet to look at a picture of him and said, “That is him.”

‘I have never seen him at Trader Joe’s before. I was getting a bunch of groceries and he wasn’t really looking at anybody, but he said, “Have a nice day.”

What idiots!

I hate stories like this. He’s a man working hard, there’s shame in publishing this story but not in this man’s job. https://t.co/ZaNxPAfjQu

— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) August 31, 2018

Why would it matter where Owens, or any creative person works?! People on social media had a field day with this story, especially the way Fox news tried to shame him for having come so low as to bag groceries.

@julietta_cauth  tweeted: “Maybe instead of shaming an actor who used to be on tv for having a 2nd job in a grocery store we should be talking about the poor wages most actors get paid. Senior actors getting less than an office junior is not uncommon. 2nd jobs are inevitable & actors have to be resourceful.” @AshleyEsqueda said on Twitter: “Trader Joe’s offers: – Living wages with potential 7-10% raises annually – Health, dental and vision coverage – Paid time off – Good corporate culture – In-store discount Source: https://www.traderjoes.com/careers  How dare you shame ANYONE for working & making a living, actor or no.” Texas Congress candidate Dayna Steele tweeted: “‘Geoffrey Owens still acts occasionally, works at Trader Joe’s, and ministers to others in need, setting a good example for people everywhere. What a great guy.’ That’s what @FoxNews should have said.”

And we couldn’t agree more. How could these outlets shame someone for having a job!? So ridiculous.