- Last week, "The Last Jedi" star Kelly Marie Tran left Instagram, reportedly after being bullied by fans who didn’t like her character.
- Now, costar John Boyega is standing up for Tran in a series of tweets.
- Other "Star Wars" actors have also spoken out, asking fans to be kind online.
Just days after "Star Wars" star Kelly Marie Tran decided to leave Instagram, her costar is speaking out. Last week, Tran deleted all the photos from her account as reports surfaced saying that online harassment was to blame — mostly because certain "Star Wars" fans don’t like her character from "The Last Jedi," Rose Tico.
But now, as The Hollywood Reporter first pointed out, John Boyega is seemingly calling fans out for harassing Tran, letting his followers know that no matter how they feel about the new Disney-era movies in the franchise.
When Boyega took to his account on Tuesday to let fans know what’s up, he made one thing very clear: even if they’ve paid for a ticket to see his movies, harassing the people who star in them is still not an option.
"If you don’t like Star Wars or the characters understand that there are decisions makers and harassing the actors/actresses will do nothing. You’re not entitled to politeness when your approach is rude. Even if you paid for a ticket!" Boyega wrote, adding a shrugging man emoji.
If you don’t like Star Wars or the characters understand that there are decisions makers and harassing the actors/ actresses will do nothing. You’re not entitled to politeness when your approach is rude. Even if you paid for a ticket! 🤷🏾♂️
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) June 12, 2018
"To the majority of Star Wars fans thank you for supporting and putting yourselves in our shoes," he added. "You understand that there is a process so much appreciated!"
To the majority of Star Wars fans thank you for supporting and putting yourselves in our shoes. You understand that there is a process so much appreciated !
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) June 12, 2018
Boyega isn’t the only one who has spoken out in defense of Tran. Mark Hamill also tweeted his support for his co-star, including a photo of him and Tran together with the caption "What's not to love? #GetALifeNerds." i
Director Rian Johnson also shared his thoughts on the matter earlier this month, pointing out that there are definitely "Star Wars" fans who are able to criticize the franchise without taking aim at the cast personally.
"On social media a few unhealthy people can cast a big shadow on the wall, but over the past 4 years I’ve met lots of real fellow SW fans," Johnson said. "We like & dislike stuff but we do it with humor, love & respect. We’re the VAST majority, we’re having fun & doing just fine."
It's worth noting that Tran isn't the only female "Star Wars" star who has seemingly been driven off of social media following harassment. Daisy Ridley, who plays Rey, left Instagram after she faced harassment following a post about gun control.
So far, Tran has yet to speak out herself about leaving Instagram, but plenty of fans are hoping that she’ll decide to return to social media when she feels comfortable.
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