American author pleads: ‘I’m not Du30’s lawyer’
- Brooklyn-based author Nicholas Kaufmann says he has been “absolutely flooded” by diehard Duterte supporters on social media who have mistaken him for the ex-president’s ICC counsel, Nicholas Kaufman.
- In that post, which generated more than 9,800 reactions as of Wednesday night, Kaufmann pleaded with the “people of the Philippines” to “please stop messaging me” as he was being mistakenly recognized as the defense lawyer who had also handled high-profile clients.
- Kaufmann wrote bestselling horror and suspense books, namely “General Slocum’s Gold,” “Chasing the Dragon,” “Hungry Earth” and “100 Fathoms Below,” which he co-wrote with Steven Kent.
They got the wrong Nicholas Kaufman—the one with two Ns.
Brooklyn-based author Nicholas Kaufmann is the latest fixation of Rodrigo Duterte’s supporters on social media with thousands trooping to his Facebook profile and erroneously identifying him as the lead defense counsel of the former president in his murder case in the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“I am absolutely flooded today with followers and commenters from the Philippines who I guess don’t believe I’m not Duterte’s lawyer,” he said in a post on Tuesday. “Our names aren’t even spelled the same (he’s Kaufman with one N). It’s insane!”
An hour later, Kaufmann commented on his post: “Nearly 700 people have reacted to my pinned post explaining that I am not Duterte’s ICC defense lawyer, and yet [I] still get hundreds of followers from the Philippines EVERY HOUR!”
‘Please stop’
He was referring to the earlier clarification he made on March 21, or just a little over a week after the former president’s arrest, that he was not Nicholas Kaufman, the British-Israeli lawyer defending Duterte in his case of crimes against humanity of murder before the Hague-based tribunal.
In that post, which generated more than 9,800 reactions as of Wednesday night, Kaufmann pleaded with the “people of the Philippines” to “please stop messaging me” as he was being mistakenly recognized as the defense lawyer who had also handled high-profile clients, including Aisha Gaddafi, daughter of assassinated Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
He also noted in a comment to his post that the “first comment or message I’ve gotten that isn’t pro-Duterte” was just six days ago, or on March 27.
Plot for next book?
Kaufmann wrote bestselling horror and suspense books, namely “General Slocum’s Gold,” “Chasing the Dragon,” “Hungry Earth” and “100 Fathoms Below,” which he co-wrote with Steven Kent.
Except lawyering for Duterte, Kaufmann wears other hats, such as being a podcast host, publicity manager for a literary press, pitchman for a public relations firm, bookstore clerk and manager, independent bookstore owner and an indie video store manager, according to information on his personal website.
One of his commenters wanted the American writer to ride on the wave, telling Kaufmann: “Tell them all that if they get you onto the (New York Times) bestseller list, their favorite president will be freed.”
Another said that the bizarre incident could be a “silver lining,” adding that it could be “a plot for your next book.”
Apology
In reaction to a netizen who said that his experience could very well be a “horror plot,” Kaufmann said: “It’s becoming disturbing!”
A Filipino commenter apologized to Kaufmann for “my countrymen’s lack of brain cells.”
The author, however, noticed the surge in such apologies from anti-Duterte Filipinos in recent days. “They started out pro-Duterte, but lately I’m getting some anti-Duterte commenters from the Philippines who are … calling many of them bots.”
“I’d rather they [leave] me alone,” he added.
Others suggested to Kaufmann that he limit his comments section or outright block the accounts spamming him with messages.
Similar case
The author likened his case of mistaken identity to Matthew Gertz, a senior fellow of US media watchdog Media Watchdog, who was hounded on social media in 2021 after then Republican Rep. Matthew Gaetz of Florida was investigated in connection with alleged sexual misconduct with a minor and illegal drug use.
“We’re brothers in battle now!” said Kaufmann.
Avid supporters of Duterte have been taking to social media their show of both support and anger over his detention while awaiting trial at the ICC.
Among the personalities they have attacked since the March 11 arrest of Duterte were the social media pages of Pre-Trial Chamber 1 Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc and Filipino reporters covering developments in The Hague.
