Local teen in the spotlight for her fight against bullying is being bullied behind-the-scenes.
Maya Claridge, a freshman at Legacy High School, is no stranger to bullying. She was bullied for over two years in middle school and says it was the “darkest and loneliest time” of her life. With the hope of helping other kids who are experiencing bullying, Claridge began the Bullied to Bold tour, traveling to schools and youth related organizations throughout Colorado, sharing her story and message of hope. “I don’t want anyone to feel alone,” Claridge says. “I want them to know that they can overcome being bullied.”
Her message is one of inspiration, hope and strength as she encourages kids to put down their fear, put down the shame and rise above the pain.
Ironically, in the midst of the Bullied to Bold tour, Claridge is experiencing cyber-bullying from several teenage girls whom she has never met. “These girls have targeted Maya via Instagram and have posted numerous negative comments about her, mainly making fun of how she looks,” said Beverly Brenner, management and booking agent for the Bullied to Bold tour.
Claridge appears un-phased by the cyber-bullying attacks against her, stating, “I’ve dealt with bullies before and I refuse to give them the power to hurt me.”
Determined to continue reaching out to others with a message of kindness, Claridge does not respond to the negative comments she receives via social media. “They can say what they want to say about me but they’re mean words aren’t going to change who I am or what I’m doing,” Claridge says.
Claridge will appear on Colorado & Company (9News) on January 22, 2016 to promote the Bullied to Bold tour and her song entitled, PUT IT DOWN, which was written specifically for the tour and produced by Billboard award-winning producer, Marc Williams at Indasoul Records.
For booking information please visit www.BulliedToBold.com
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