Eric Kripke Stands Up for Erin Moriarty Against Toxic Fan Abuse
The Boys, one of the world’s most popular superhero series, debuted its fourth season on June 13, 2024, with an initial release of three episodes. Despite facing criticism from some frustrated fans over its political themes, the season has maintained a strong Certified Fresh rating. This installment has introduced several new concepts, including heightened political messaging within the storyline, which has divided the fanbase. Unfortunately, this division has led to online harassment directed at actress Erin Moriarty, prompting showrunner Eric Kripke to address and defend her in a recent interview.
Kripke, known for his occasional social media reactions, has also shared extensive behind-the-scenes insights in recent interviews, making his perspective on the show’s direction particularly noteworthy.
During a conversation with Variety, Kripke touched on several subjects, including the online harassment faced by Erin Moriarty from certain fans a couple of years ago. When prompted to address the issue, Moriarty responded with the following statement:
“I do feel paralyzed. 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 — we change & evolve mentally AND physically). So with that I say: a) thank you to @butcherscanary b) this does break my heart — I’ve opened up a vein for this role and the misogynistic trolling is exactly what this role (Annie) would speak out against and c) everyone’s going through their own battle(s); let’s not add to that. I will never intentionally (and ESPECIALLY) publicly, add to yours. This has only strengthened my empathy muscle and to anyone who comes at me: I see you, I don’t hate you, I only empathize and forgive.”
Source: Variety
At that time, Kripke, in his role as showrunner, swiftly responded by delivering a direct and forceful message, staunchly supporting his actress.
This showcases Kripke at his best. In a recent Variety interview, he was specifically invited to discuss that incident, and he willingly shared his thoughts on it.
When Erin Moriarty spoke out last year about being attacked by some of the fandom you tweeted, I’m going to quote it, “Hi trolls. One, this is literally the opposite of the show’s fucking message. Two, you’re causing pain to real people with real feelings. Be kind. If you can’t be kind, then eat a bag of dicks, fuck off to the sun and don’t watch ‘The Boys.’ We don’t want you.”
Yeah, that is a thing that I said!
Incredible. What made you do that and how was it received?
First question, why I did it, is I’m really protective of my actors. They’re all really good people, and you start to feel like their dad in a way. And she was genuinely hurt, and really upset. I just felt like, “Fuck them!” I was genuinely angry. I can’t say I put a lot of careful thought into it.
I just was pissed that they were coming after one of my actors. And yeah, actually the response was strangely positive. I think there was just a lot of people that watched that stuff from afar and is just like, “That’s bullshit. I get that that person is in the public eye, and you’re allowed to say, I like that performance. I don’t like that performance. I like that show. I don’t like that show. That actor works for me. They don’t work for me.”
Obviously, we all do. But when it starts to become these personal attacks on who they are, and when fucking Megyn Kelly wants to talk about it, it’s really not fair because they’re not in a position that they can fight back. So yeah, all the trolls really can eat a bag of dicks and fuck off to the sun. I reiterate that comment.
Source: Variety
That’s classic Kripke for you. His swift action back then was commendable, and he continues to excel as The Boys’ showrunner. It’s crucial to stand behind such proactive defenses of actors against abuse.
Have thoughts to share? Drop them in the comments!
