“To anyone who comes at me: I see you, I don’t hate you, I only empathize and forgive,” Erin Moriarty wrote on Instagram Tuesday
Erin Moriarty is defending herself against online haters.
The Boys actor, who portrays Annie January/Starlight in the comic book adaption for Prime Video, revealed her feelings about unjust treatment she’s encountered online and shared an article about the injustices she’s been suffering on Instagram on Tuesday night.
The essay titled “#IStandWithStarlight?: The betrayal of Erin Moriarty by The Boys ‘fans'” was posted on Medium by a self-described “enthusiast” of the series.
The author stated in one of the piece’s comments that “most of the audience will still fail to employ the lessons learned”βamong them, “how the toxicity of masculinity crushes and controls women”βduring the event.
Reposting some snippets of the op-ed, Moriarty, 28, wrote in the caption, “I do feel silenced. I do feel dehumanized. I do feel paralyzed.”
She continued, “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 β we change & evolve mentally AND physically).”
Moriarty then thanked the author, who goes by the user @butcherscanary, and added that the trolling “does break my heart.” She continued, “I’ve opened up a vein for this role and the misogynistic trolling is exactly what this role (Annie) would speak out against.”
“Everyone’s going through their own battle(s); let’s not add to that,” she added, “I will never intentionally (and ESPECIALLY) publicly, add to yours.”
The actress went on to say that all the trolling has “only strengthened my empathy muscle.” She finished her caption by saying, “to anyone who comes at me: I see you, I don’t hate you, I only empathize and forgive.”
In the comment section, Moriarty’s costars from the superhero series showed their support.
Actor Jack Quaid, who plays Hughie Campbell in the show, wrote, “Love you Erin. We’re all here for you. You’re such an incredible, talented force of nature and I consider myself incredibly lucky to know you.” Quaid also gave her some advice: “Keep shining bright. Leave the trolls to us. We got your back.”
Fellow costar Antony Starr, who plays Homelander, showed his love for Moriarty in the comments too. “[I] support you and what you say here 100%. Well put π Your work on the show is and always has been stellar and you are beautiful inside and out. Keep shining π xo.”
Chace CrawfordΒ (The Deep) wrote a simple “Love you!” while Nathan Mitchell (Black Noir) commented with a series of red hearts.
Moriarty also received support from other stars.
Harry Potter‘s Bonnie Wright wrote, “Knowing you as I do, I know with every bone in my body how much dedication you bring to your work, your character, the story and your collaborators. I love and respect you so much. You have given everything to Starlight, like you always do β€οΈ.”
“LOVE you Erin,” commentedΒ Helen Hunt. “Let them fade away. Do your work. Love your people. Be the beautiful human being you are. β€οΈβ€οΈ.”
Pedro PascalΒ kept his comment simple, writing, “Let me at them.”