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New York Botanical Garden Scientist Faces Online Harassment
Comments disabled on social media posts featuring horticulturist Chris Elliott due to inappropriate remarks
Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:22pm
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The New York Botanical Garden's social media accounts have become a hotbed of inappropriate attention and harassment directed at one of its horticulturists, highlighting the troubling issue of 'pretty privilege' even in professional settings.NYC TodayChris Elliott, an associate curator at the New York Botanical Garden, has been the target of unwanted sexual attention and harassment from online fans who have been commenting inappropriately on the institution's social media posts featuring him. The NYBG has had to disable commenting on these posts in order to protect Elliott from the onslaught of inappropriate remarks.
Why it matters
This story highlights the issue of 'pretty privilege' and how even men who are considered attractive can face objectification and harassment, especially in the digital age where social media amplifies these behaviors. It also raises questions about how institutions should handle situations where their employees are subjected to inappropriate attention from the public.
The details
According to a whistleblower on X, the NYBG has had to turn off comments on its social media posts featuring Elliott due to the sexually harassing nature of the remarks. Screenshots show fans making inappropriate comments about Elliott's appearance, with some even directing flirtatious or suggestive messages at him. The NYBG has also disabled commenting on separate posts featuring Elliott and the garden's flowers, indicating a pattern of this behavior.
- The NYBG began disabling comments on posts featuring Elliott in April 2026.
The players
Chris Elliott
An associate curator at the New York Botanical Garden who has been the target of unwanted sexual attention and harassment from online fans.
New York Botanical Garden
The institution that manages the botanical garden in New York City and has had to disable comments on social media posts featuring Elliott due to inappropriate remarks.
The takeaway
This case highlights the complex issue of 'pretty privilege' and the challenges faced by attractive individuals, even men, who are subjected to unwanted objectification and harassment, especially in the digital age. It raises important questions about how institutions should handle such situations to protect their employees from inappropriate public attention.
