Why Brianna Wu Is Going Viral Right Now
Tweet That Sparked Controversy
“so glad I went to wokeness rehab”
Posted on August 4, 2025, alongside a before-and-after transformation photo, this tweet from Brianna Wu has gone viral — sparking debates across Twitter/X and beyond.
👩 Who Is Brianna Wu?
Brianna Wu is an American video game developer, cybersecurity expert, and political activist. She gained national attention during the Gamergate controversy in 2014, when she was targeted with threats for speaking out about sexism in the gaming industry. Since then, she’s become a prominent figure in progressive politics, women’s rights in tech, and even ran for U.S. Congress in Massachusetts.
Wu is also a trans woman and often comments on LGBTQ+ issues, online harassment, and internet culture. Her outspoken persona and past activism have made her a well-known — and sometimes polarizing — figure on social media.
What Did She Post?
On August 4, 2025, Brianna Wu posted a tweet with two side-by-side photos of herself — one from her past and one more recent — with the caption:
“so glad I went to wokeness rehab”
The tone of the tweet is sarcastic, and the imagery implies a visual transformation. Many interpreted it as a critique of so-called “woke culture” or a distancing from her earlier political image.
Why It Went Viral
- Shock Value & Humor: The tweet walks a line between sarcasm and sincerity.
- Visual Comparison: The before/after is dramatic, inviting comment and shareability.
- Political Implication: “Wokeness rehab” is seen as a jab at progressive ideology.
- Public Figure: Wu’s past as a progressive icon gives the tweet a deeper, possibly ironic layer.
Internet Reactions
- Supporters applauded her glow-up and honesty, saying it reflects self-care or growth.
- Critics called it tone-deaf or dismissive of progressive and trans communities.
- Some say Wu is intentionally trolling to provoke or gain relevance in political spaces again.
