Star Wars heroine Daisy Ridley has become the latest actress to quit social media, signing off on her Instagram account after objecting to the force of the political blowback to her post on gun violence.
Ridley, 24, who plays Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, felt a huge backlash from many of her 2.3 million Instagram followers and on Facebook, after she posted the same message on both social media forums after attending the Teen Choice Awards in California on Sunday.
Daisy Ridley leaves Instagram following online abuse over gun violence post https://t.co/0J7RcdCnRB
— David Papp (@DavidPapp) August 4, 2016
A tribute to the victims of gun violence at the Teen Choice Awards inspired Ridley, the British actress and daughter of a photographer who it’s safe to say is no expert on the gun control debate, to write the following post:
“Thinking about how lucky I am… Serious bit: as I sat in the audience yesterday, tears were streaming down my face at the tribute to those that have been lost to gun violence.
“I didn’t get a great picture of the incredible group that came on stage but they were so brave. It was a true moment of togetherness. We must #stoptheviolence”
Alas for Ridley, far from “togetherness” ensued. Instead all hell broke loose following her post. Although 10,000 people liked the Instagram post, many Star Wars fans objected to her beliefs, with some posting aggressive responses.
Some of the Facebook comments were caught before Ridley deleted her post. Joshua Howley wrote: “Well Dasily [sic] you have just lost a fan. With the utter lack of research, and an obvious zero knowledge on the subject, this is probably something you should not be talking about.”
William Ray Siegfried responded: “I know how we stop the violence Daisy Ridley. We arm ourselves just like you did in Star Wars. When evil people inflict death and destruction upon you, righteous violence IS the answer. (I would like to add that a Jedi uses the force for knowledge and defense. Never attack.)”
Dave Carro argued: “Says the woman who kills people with guns in movies. Such hypocrisy in Hollywood. Just shut up, Ridley and make another Star Wars movie.”
Other comments were less bracing. Star Wars fan Heather Berry pleaded: “We all love you so much, however please stay out of politics. Hollywood needs less political stand points and more humanity for the environment. Please, be the neutral voice and a good role model and just stay clear of all the drama.”
Yet the response proved too much for Ridley, who deleted her Instagram post, though not her Facebook account. Fans have begged her to restore her Instagram account but her Star Wars co-star John Boyega is refusing to get involved:
John via Instagram about Daisy Ridley pic.twitter.com/lL3U6PAQLd
— Daily John Boyega (@dailyjohnboyega) August 2, 2016
Her departure follows Ghostbusters actress Leslie Jones temporarily quitting Twitter after racist abuse for which Twitter blamed Milo Yiannopoulos. Twitter ultimately banned the conservative provocateur from the network.
Ridley later clarified her position on Instagram—suggesting that her flight had nothing to do with the rabid debate over guns: “I just want to be on my phone less. Trying to be more present and all that and got a busy few months ahead so wanted less distractions… It’s all good! 🙂
“I always appreciate the support and love the Instagram community! X.”
Spoken like a true actress….
how dare anyone have anything bad to say about Daisy Ridley she is the cutest most precious bean that is only ever happy and loving
— emz (@emmaemsocks) August 4, 2016