Anyone who has perused Star Wars star Daisy Ridley‘s Instagram account knows that she is a literal Rey of sunshine. Between showing young girls they can be strong with her training videos or sharing messages of kindness and empowerment, Ridley was clearing using her platform for good. However, after daring to share an opinion on the very controversial issue of gun violence, Ridley was driven off the social media site by pro-gun trolls.
On Sunday night after the Teen Choice Awards, Ridley posted on Facebook and Instagram about how she was deeply affected by the award show’s tribute to those recently killed by gun violence.
“Thinking about how lucky I am like……… 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 onstage but they were so brave. It was a true moment of togetherness. We must #stoptheviolence.”
It wasn’t a particularly political post, but it was enough to bring out the trolls. The Nerdy Bird managed to screen cap a few of the comments, and it is your typical murderer’s row of Internet opinions run amok.
“Well Dasiy, 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.”
“Please do not start with any liberal statements or movements. We are all against violence. People kill people guns don’t. Don’t ruin Star Wars for any of us.”
“Says the woman who kills people with guns in movies. Such hypocrisy in Hollywood. Just shut up, Ridley and make another Star Wars movie.”
“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.)”
In the wake of the onslaught, not only did Ridley delete the offending Facebook post, but she deleted her entire Instagram account. Whether or not she will return to the site or if she has pulled the plug for good, the fact that the world will now be denied pictures like this is a damn shame.
Repeat after me: celebrities are people too and they are allowed to voice their opinions. I bet these are some of the same people who were mad that Bradley Cooper attended the DNC.
(Via Vulture/ The Nerdy Bird)
