In 2017, Chanel Rowe, then a student at the University of Hartford in Connecticut, shared her harrowing experience of alleged mistreatment by her former roommate, Brianna Broschue, in a story that captured national attention.
Rowe moved into her dorm in August of that year, sharing the space with Broschue, then 18. The two reportedly did not get along, and Rowe began to feel unwelcome.
“This is beyond ridiculous,” Rowe said, explaining how her health deteriorated during her time in the dorm. “While I’ve been here, I’ve been getting sick,” she said, adding that throat pain became a constant issue.
After deciding to move out, Rowe discovered Broschue had posted a disturbing confession on Instagram.
The post described actions such as spitting in Rowe’s coconut oil and tampering with her toothbrush in unsanitary ways, ending with the phrase, “Goodbye, Jamaican Barbie.”
“After one and a half months of spitting in her coconut oil, putting her toothbrush places where the sun doesn’t shine, and so much more, I can finally say goodbye, Jamaican Barbie.”
The behavior allegedly led to Rowe developing a bacterial throat infection.
Outraged by the revelation, Rowe shared her story on Facebook, where the video quickly went viral.
Even television producer Shonda Rhimes commented on the situation, describing Broschue as an “inhumane, ignorant waste of space.”
In response to the incident, the University of Hartford expelled Broschue, and local authorities charged her with breach of peace and criminal mischief.
Police are also investigating whether her actions qualify as a hate crime.
