Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner spoke out in defense of Stranger Things’ young cast amid backlash over a viral video used to criticize one of its stars.
A clip of Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things and also appeared in It, walking into a hotel as fans waited for him outside spread online over the weekend, causing swift debate among fans. Some fans used the video—which has since been taken down—to criticize Wolfhard for not stopping to take photographs or give autographs to fans, while others called out fan entitlement, defending the 14-year-old actor’s right to take a break.
Among those supporting Wolfhard was Turner, who was 15 when Game of Thrones premiered in 2011. In a series of tweets, she defended his and the other Stranger Things actors’ right to privacy. Just because they’re starring in a very popular TV show on Netflix doesn’t mean they owe fans anything.
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Turner also pointed out that just because Wolfhard signed up to be an actor doesn’t mean he should have to deal with cameras constantly following him or aggressive fans—especially when those fans are adults.
“It doesn’t,” she said about the idea that this sort of behavior comes with the job.
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Wolfhard also received support from his Stranger Things co-stars Shannon Purser (Barb) and Noah Schnapp (Will Byers). They both argued that Wolfhard, like everyone, needs a break sometimes, and Purser called out the fans who felt entitled to Wolfhard’s time.
“So, from one big sister to the world, don’t you DARE make young actors feel guilty or indebted to you because they couldn’t say hi,” she wrote.
So true. we really love the fans. Finn is the nicest guy u will ever know. we all work so hard, and need a break sometimes. #Compassion ❤️❤️ https://t.co/On3Fo8NeB8
— Noah Schnapp (@noah_schnapp) November 5, 2017
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H/T Bustle