Amazon Urges Fans to Stop Bullying The Summer I Turned Pretty Cast

URGENT UPDATE: Amazon has just announced a critical message urging fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty to “keep the conversation kind” following alarming reports of online bullying directed at the show’s cast. This statement, released on September 13, 2023, comes as the popular series nears its climactic finale, with only three episodes remaining before the season concludes on September 17, 2023.
In a bold move, the show’s official social media accounts, including Instagram and TikTok, shared a graphic video emphasizing a shift toward more positive interactions online. “The show isn’t real but the people playing the characters are,” the caption read, highlighting the real-life impact of fan behavior.
The third season of The Summer I Turned Pretty, which has captured a passionate fanbase, has sparked heated debates online, dividing viewers into two camps: Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah. This rivalry has escalated to the point where cast members have faced extreme harassment, including death threats aimed at Gavin Casalegno, who portrays Jeremiah. In a recent interview, Casalegno admitted he no longer checks Instagram due to the intense negativity surrounding his character.
“Amazon did a good job of stepping in and being like, ‘Hey, no bullying,’” Casalegno stated, though he noted that the situation remains challenging. Reports indicate that producers have witnessed a troubling increase in toxic online behavior, prompting Amazon to intervene.
The show’s creator, Jenny Han, also weighed in on the issue. She expressed her understanding of fan passion but condemned violent imagery, stating,
“Even in jest, posting images of a woman being slapped or choked is not funny.”
Her comments underscore the need for a more respectful discourse within the fan community.
As the show continues to gain popularity on Amazon Prime Video, the call for civility resonates deeply. Cast member Lola Tung previously addressed the emotional toll of fan attachment, remarking,
“When people have an attachment to the characters, they want to see it come together at the end. But people get a little scary about it.”
With the final episode approaching, both fans and creators are reminded of the responsibility that comes with their engagement. The push for kindness online is not just about protecting the actors; it reflects the broader impact of social media interactions on mental health and community dynamics.
As we await the finale of The Summer I Turned Pretty, fans are encouraged to reflect on their behavior and consider the real people behind the characters they love. The urgency of this message is clear: let’s promote positivity, not vitriol, in our online spaces.