The Boys star Erin Moriarty has decided to take certain toxic fans to task for the way they criticise her character, Annie January/Starlight.
The former member of The Seven receives an inordinate amount of hate for the part she plays in the story and Moriarty's appearance even came under fire during season 3 (there were those who, believe it or not, felt she had "ruined" her natural beauty by wearing too much makeup).
Last night, Moriarty took to Instagram to share a fan article titled "#IStandWithStarlight?: The Betrayal of Erin Moriarty by The Boys Fans" along with her thoughts on the misogynistic hate that both she and Starlight receive from fans.
"I do feel silenced. I do feel dehumanized. I do feel paralyzed. I’ve put blood, sweat, and tears into this role (over & over & over again), I’ve grown UP in this character’s shoes (*emphasis on grown up - we change & evolve mentally AND physically)," the actress states.
"So with that I say: a) thank you to @butcherscanary b) this does break my heart - I’ve opened up a vein for this role and this kind of trolling is exactly what this role (Annie) would speak out against and c) everyone’s going through their own battle(s); let’s not add to that."
"I will never intentionally (and ESPECIALLY) publicly add to yours," Moriarty concludes. "This has only strengthened my empathy muscle and to anyone who comes at me: I see you, I don’t hate you, I only empathize and forgive."
Her The Boys co-stars later commented on the post to show their support, including Antony Starr and Jack Quaid.
This sort of behaviour on social media has become all too commonplace among "fans," and it's a real shame to see Moriarty targeted in this manner. We're glad she's chosen to speak up on the issue, though, and would hope Amazon is taking the necessary measures to protect its stars from this sort of online abuse and harassment.
The Boys season 4 is currently shooting.