Olena Kurbanova - attack 04.01.2024

On January 4, 2024, the TikTok account infosich3 published a fragment of a broadcast hosted by journalist Olena Kurbanova, whose guest was lawyer and former Member of Parliament Ihor Lapin. The video was accompanied by the following caption:

“Kurbanova tried to defend Zelensky, but Lapin quickly put her in her place.”

The comments under the post contained disparaging remarks directed at the host, including accusations of allegedly being “bought by” or loyal to the current government. For example:

• “another Moseichuk”
• “I had a higher opinion of Kurbanova”
• “that’s the level of journalism”
• “look how she’s avoiding eye contact”

This case demonstrates signs of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), including gendered disinformation, online defamation, and a reputational attack against journalist Olena Kurbanova. The caption itself presents a manipulative interpretation of the broadcast and constructs an image of the host as allegedly politically biased and unable to perform independent journalistic work. In the comments, this narrative is reinforced through insinuations about her supposed “sellout” status and comparisons with other women journalists who are frequently targeted by online attacks. Such statements are aimed not at analyzing the host’s professional work or arguments, but at discrediting her reputation through political labeling and the devaluation of her as a media professional.

Additionally, elements of misogynistic rhetoric and gendered humiliation are evident through the focus on the journalist’s behavior and emotional reactions. Such comments are a typical TFGBV tactic, where women journalists are judged not by the substance of their work, but by their emotions, facial expressions, or mannerisms on camera. Altogether, this creates an atmosphere of public devaluation and online harassment aimed at undermining trust in the journalist and her professional position.