Jackson Mahomes Gets Boost Amid Backlash

Jackson Mahomes has faced fierce backlash online following allegations last year of sexual assault. Nevertheless, things may be looking up for the social media star after he reportedly took care of a child during the Kansas City, Missouri, shooting that happened Wednesday.

One person was killed and 21 more were wounded in the shooting, which took place during the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl parade. The shooting began near Union Station, close to the parade's main stage. Three suspects have been arrested, with police launching an investigation into the incident.

The younger brother of Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes, his public image took a hit last year after a Kansas City bar owner accused him of grabbing her by the neck and "forcibly kissing her."

The 23-year-old was arrested in May after footage of the alleged incident spread online. He was charged with three felony counts of aggravated sexual battery, along with a fourth count of misdemeanor battery.

Mahomes, meanwhile, denied the accusations. The three felony charges were dropped in January, reportedly due to a lack of co-operation from the plaintiff.

Now, his reputation seems to be recovering on social media after an X, formerly Twitter, user spoke out on behalf of the TikTok influencer.

"I don't care what anyone says but I have found a new found respect for Jackson Mahomes," @jess6mami wrote on X on Wednesday. "Ana and I were stuck hiding with him at union station by the trains and he was taking care of a child who lost his parents and helping him calm down."

Since being shared to the social media platform, @jess6mami's post has been viewed over 2 million times.

Newsweek has reached out to @jess6mami and Jackson Mahomes for comment via Instagram.

Several X users, like @jaimeheartbeat, praised Mahomes for his "kindness and care" during the shooting.

"That is so unexpected and heartwarming," commented bendollar.

"That's great to hear just a terrible terrible situation nothing but senseless act of violence," wrote @Heathwilson2.

"You mean someone you didn't know at all turned out good despite how other people told you to feel about said person? Who would've thunk it," wrote @uncleclinic.

"I'm glad he rose to the occasion. Hopefully it can be a turning point for him," Dane commented.

"Truly find out about character of people in time of adversity, tragedy whatever you want to call it... one can learn from mistakes and hopefully he has," wrote @WooPig83. "Many great things happened amongst all chaos yesterday, gives hope to us all."

Mahomes' mom, Randi Martin, also commented on @jess6mami's post, backing up her account.

"What a scary unthinkable day...," the 48-year-old said. "Thankful you all were together for those moments. As i mom i want to thank you. Jackson was able to get the child to the police for help. Blessings to you."

Newsweek has reached out to Randi Martin for comment via Instagram.

However, X other users hit out at Mahomes and @jess6mami, with @favbangxz writing: "Bad people can do good things too."

"He did what any normal human would do," commented @st0_b0.

"He assaulted a woman on camera, please. He should be in prison," wrote @dadjeansvotes.

"So everyone gonna forget his acts of SA," commented David. "'New found respect' is actually disgusting.

"He finally did one good thing in the heat of the moment and is getting praise for it, when time and time again he has let everyone down. Make it make sense."

X user Celbert accused Mahomes of paying @jess6mami to make up the story, asking, "how much he pay[?]" while Daniel wrote: "Why are you lying?"

Mahomes took a lengthy hiatus from social media following the sexual misconduct claims. Although he was photographed at his brother's games, he didn't reappear online until October, sharing snaps from a recent trip to New York.