'Don't call yourself...': 'Heated Rivalry' cast slams toxic fans
What's the story
Hudson Williams and François Arnaud, the actors of the popular series Heated Rivalry, have spoken out against the online hate directed at their co-stars. The actors shared identical statements on Instagram on Monday, condemning abusive comments circulating on social media and urging fans to stop targeting members of the cast. The show has been a huge success since its premiere in November, but it has also attracted a toxic fandom.
Statement
The statement was also shared by other cast members
The actors' statement read, "Don't call yourself a fan if you share racist/homophobic/biphobic/misogynistic/ageist/ableist/parasocial/bigoted comments of any kind." "None of us need your hateful 'love.'" "We all respect and support and love each other and are on the same side if you can't accept that gtfoh." The message was also shared by their co-stars Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova and Sophie Nelisse.
Respect
Kharlamova's additional thoughts on the matter
Kharlamova added, "Please, don't turn something on the internet that is about love into hate." "So much love was put into this project and we all have a genuine respect for every person involved in making it." "We are not characters, nor are our real friends, partners, or family, and creating false narratives about us is not 'love,'" she continued. "So many good things have come out of this series, so let's keep it that way."
Personal experiences
Arnaud and Williams have dealt with harassment online
Williams, 25, has been subjected to anti-Asian slurs on X, and people have pitted the co-stars against one another. Arnaud, 40, has also faced disturbing messages after some fans speculated that he was dating his Heated Rivalry co-star Connor Storrie, following the two being photographed together several times. In January, he told the Toronto Star about the harassment, which has included death threats. "I think it's a lot of younger fans who don't really understand the difference between reality...fiction."