As the child actors of Stranger Things rise to stardom because of their addictive series and incredible acting skills, the young stars are receiving unwanted attention as well. Some fans are getting so out of hand that 14-year-old Finn Wolfhard (aka Mike) has taken it upon himself to speak out.
As Teen Vogue reports, Finn recently received backlash from a video of him refusing to give an adult fan an autograph. The video sparked a discussion about the public’s treatment of the actors, accusing some fans of invading their privacy and harassing the stars. Not only that, but it seems that fans are guilty of sexualizing the new celebs, the youngest of the cast aged between 13 and 16 years old.
Damn… seeing fully grown adults wait outside the ‘Stranger Things’ kids’ hotels etc , and then abuse them when they don’t stop for them…
— Sophie Turner (@SophieT) November 6, 2017
While fellow celebs like Sophie Turner are standing up for the cast, Finn took to Twitter on Wednesday to defend himself and his friends.
Hey everybody! I don’t wanna ex-communicate anyone from this fandom, but if you are for real you will not harass my friends, or co-workers. Ya’ll know who you are.
— Finn Wolfhard (@FinnSkata) November 8, 2017
Why I even have to tweet that, I don’t know. Anyone who calls themselves a “fan” and actively goes after someone for literally acting and doing their job is ridiculous. Think b4 ya type boiiii
— Finn Wolfhard (@FinnSkata) November 8, 2017
The actor wrote, “Hey everybody! I don’t wanna ex-communicate anyone from this fandom, but if you are for real you will not harass my friends, or co-workers. Ya’ll know who you are.” He continued in a second tweet, “Why I even have to tweet that, I don’t know. Anyone who calls themselves a ‘fan’ and actively goes after someone for literally acting and doing their job is ridiculous.”
Fans flooded his responses with words of support, with one calling the young star “wise beyond his years,” and another pointing out the unfortunate truth: “it’s sad that we live in a world where a minor has to act like an adult because adults are harassing minors.”
People are clearly crossing the line if teenage Finn had to step in and say something. As Sophie said, they may be famous actors, but they’re children first. Regardless of age, the Stranger Things stars deserve the utmost respect, just like the public should give any other celebrity.