Sam Heughan recently came clean about some of the bullying and harassment he and his loved one had suffered since he stepped into the spotlight as Jamie Fraser on Outlander six years ago. Between stalking, death threats, doxxing and more, there have been some rough times.
Happily, many have rallied to his side in support, including several of his fellow Outlander cast members. Speaking on Twitter, Caitriona Balfe (Claire Fraser) was very vocal about her anger and frustration regarding the folks who are a part of the bullying and harassment. Even in real life, Claire has Jamie’s back.
..harness all that energy to get involved in their local charities... And honestly it’s quite simple ... If you don’t like us .. it’s a big beautiful world out there. Find something you do love and enjoy that. Life as it’s all too clear right now is short. Why waste it hating.
— Caitríona Balfe (@caitrionambalfe) April 17, 2020
Balfe takes to task a “VERY SMALL but very vocal part of this fandom” for their awful behavior. “f you don’t like us…it’s a big beautiful world out there. Find something you do love and enjoy that. Life as it’s all too clear right now is short. Why waste it hating.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Fandoms can provide people with an amazing community to celebrate works of art, and criticism can be a part of that. But when it goes from constructive criticism to toxic behavior, a line is crossed. And it was certainly crossed in Heughan’s case. There’s no reason to get nasty and harsh towards someone you don’t even personally know. Let’s be nicer to one another, folks!
Some of Heughan’s other castmates had words of encouragement to share, as well, including Sophie Skelton (Brianna Fraser)…
Screens don’t protect from those sticks and stones so please stop throwing them. Thankfully, there are also incredible fans out there, and thankfully we have a very close cast. Standing together. We love you, Heughan. @SamHeughan ❤️ https://t.co/pn3VppANvB
— Sophie Skelton (@SkeltonSophie) April 17, 2020
and Steven Cree (Ian Murray):
Very sad that it’s got to a point where a guy like Sam, truly one of the nicest & most positive people I know, feels he has to post this. Since Outlander became a worldwide phenomenon, he’s always led the line in exemplary fashion; not to mention his incredible charity work too. https://t.co/CC5xIinAEU
— Steven Cree (@MrStevenCree) April 17, 2020
Despite the haters, it’s wonderful to see the love pour in for Sam Heughan.
These are strange and difficult times, and spreading hate over love is not the way to go. But we must remember that although there are members of the fan community who choose to behave terribly, many other fans are extremely supportive and loving. In fact, they outnumber the people Heughan is referring to.
I’ve seen that intense love and appreciation during New York Comic-Con every time I’ve attended an Outlander panel, and I’m certain that despite this difficult experience, Sam Heughan finds comfort in knowing how many more people love and adore him.
Our thoughts are with you, our dear Jamie Fraser!
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h/t Cinema Blend, Digital Spy