The Brief: A tweet of a large group on the beach with the caption "Summer fun! 🏖❤️ (*private island all tested negative multiple times wear a mask)" sparked ridicule, parodies, and memes online.

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“Summer fun!/Private Island” memes reference a now-deleted tweet posted by actor Daniel Newman on September 4th. The photo depicted over 25 people (mostly shirtless and muscular white men) on the beach next to each other. The caption read “Summer fun! 🏖❤️ (*private island all tested negative multiple times wear a mask).”

Although Newman deleted the tweet, people took screenshots and jumped on the opportunity to make fun of him and his friends for gathering in a large group during a deadly pandemic. Some people pointed out that Daniel and his friends appeared to be in Tulum, which is part of mainland Mexico and is neither private nor an island. Others poked holes in the idea that everyone in the picture had “tested negative multiple times,” asking if and when these tests had been conducted. As Newman posted the photo shortly after tweeting about the value of having a diverse friend group,  Twitter users were quick to point out the hypocrisy of his apparently homogenous group of friends.

Summer Fun – Private Island Memes

Many Summer fun/private island memes pair Newman’s caption with photos of large groups from TV shows, movies, and pop culture. These memes portray scenes from Midsommar, Gilligan’s Island, hell, and more, mocking wealthy people who ignore Coronavirus safety guidelines.

The official New Jersey Twitter account got in on the fun, posting a picture of the cast of Jersey Shore with Daniel Newman’s memefied caption.

Several comedians parodied Newman’s response video in a thread of fake non-apology videos: