Bella Ramsey, who has been noted for her stunning performances at a young age, has recently become the target of severe internet hatred, particularly since playing Ellie in HBO's The Last of Us.
Despite getting Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, Bella Ramsey has faced constant harassment on platforms such as Reddit and X. Let's read to know why?
For many, it comes down to her appearance, gender identity, and, particularly, her portrayal of a lesbian character in the massive series.
One user wrote on X account:
But on Reddit there is a discussion page asking why is there so much hate for Ramsey?
Bella Ramsey, who rose to stardom as the brave Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones at the age of 11, has grown up in the spotlight.
However, her decision to host a programme based on one of the most beloved video games has made her a lightning rod for criticism.
The outrage, which is fueled mostly by elements of the extreme right and the internet "manosphere," frequently focuses on Ramsey's failure to meet traditional beauty standards or expectations for female protagonists.
Trolls routinely upload altered photographs of her and even share AI edits, preferring women they consider more conventionally appealing.
Much of the animosity grew as the series adopted the video game's LGBTQ+ elements.
Ellie's sexuality has always been fundamental to the game's plot, but seeing it play out on film — particularly in a second season that emphasises her love relationship — has sparked indignation among some spectators.
Critics accuse the programme of being "too woke," while others argue that having a homosexual protagonist who isn't sexualised for the male gaze is simply too much for them to handle.
Ramsey, who identifies as non-binary and has openly discussed her issues with anorexia, mental health, and, more recently, autism, has decided to go off social media due to the constant harassment.
Ramsey said the hatred has actually taken a toll on her and she told The New York Times that “It’s the first time I’ve ever had a negative reaction to something. There would be times I’d find it funny. Then I’d get to the end of a 10-minute scrolling session, put my phone down and realise: Maybe that was a bad idea.”
Ramsey has now decided to go off social media and has actually deactivated her Instagram account. “But now, I’ve just deactivated my Instagram and my Twitter. I’ve reached a point where I don’t actually need this anymore. People know that a fake account pretending to be me isn’t me,” she had said during an interview with her Game of Thrones co-star, Kit Harington.
Despite the uproar, Ramsey has stayed devoted to her work. "If you don't want to watch the show because it has gay storylines or a trans character, that's your loss," she told the magazine.
Bella Ramsey, like Ellie, refuses to back down. Her power stems from her reluctance to comply — which is precisely why she belongs at the center of The Last of Us.
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