The Boys’ Erin Moriarty speaks out against “trolling” fans

Actress Erin Moriarty, who plays Seven member Annie January / Starlight on Amazon Prime’s The Boys has spoken out against trolls–with far more poise and maturity than they could ever harass her with.

Erin Moriarty took to Instagram following the publication of a Medium article titled “#IStandWithStarlight?: The Betrayal of Erin Moriarty by The Boys Fans.” The article begins: “As it turns out, you can dedicate an entire season of a television show to exploring how the toxicity of masculinity crushes and controls women, and seemingly a majority of the audience will still fail to employ the lessons learned — or worse, not have recognised there was a message at all.”

Erin Moriarty agreed, beginning her personal statement with:

“I do feel silenced. I do feel dehumanized. 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)…”

Moriarty also noted similarities between herself and her The Boys character:

“I’ve opened up a vein for this role and this kind of trolling is exactly what this role (Annie) would speak out against and…everyone’s going through their own battle(s); let’s not add to that.”

Erin Moriarty concluded her Instagram message not with a complete shutdown of the trolls, but rather a written act of understanding and forgiveness: “This has only strengthened my empathy muscle and to anyone who comes at me: I see you, I I don’t hate you, I only empathize and forgive.”

Unfortunately, Erin Moriarty is not the only female in the limelight to be targeted by online trolls. But she does have the full support of much of her cast. Anthony Starr (John / Homelander) wrote: “Support you and what you say here 100%. Well put ; ) Your work on the show is and always has been stellar and you are beautiful inside and out. Keep shining.” Jack Quaid (Hughie) also expressed his support. “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. Keep shining bright. Leave the trolls to us. We got your back.”

The much-buzzed about season three of The Boys concluded this summer, with the show well on its way to season four. An animated series titled Diabolical arrived earlier this year, while the upcoming college-set spinoff Gen V is scheduled to premiere in 2023.