Erin Moriarty says misogynistic fans have dehumanized her because of ‘The boys’

The Betrayed Erin Moriarty by The Boys Fans

The actress Erin Moriarty is fighting back against the sexist criticism she has received for her performance as Annie January/Starlight in the superhero series “The Boys” that is available on Prime Video. Moriarty took to Instagram to repost a fan article titled “#IStandWithStarlight? : The Betrayed Erin Moriarty by The Boys Fans.” The article highlights some of the misogynistic hate that fans have directed at the character — and, by extension, at Moriarty herself — in various corners of the internet. Moriarty herself is the subject of misogynistic hatred.

“Silenced” and “dehumanised”

“The harassment feels all the more awful given the backdrop of her role as Starlight on the programme, a woman who is silenced and sexualized, treated like a celebrity canvas for other people to project into rather as a human being with her own thoughts and feelings rather than a star.” However, Erin does not exist, although the character of Annie does. One section of the essay states, “The misery doesn’t finish for her when the credit starts, because there is no switch off.” The author continues, “While I’m sure her male colleagues have faced unjust criticism, the obsession with her appearance and the amount of objectification is unsurpassed.”

Moriarty responded to the post in the caption, noting that she has experienced feelings of being “silenced” and “dehumanised” due to criticism on Starlight and the character’s physical appearance.

“I do feel paralyzed. “I’ve put my efforts into this part (again and over and over again), and I’ve grown UP in this character’s shoes,” Moriarty stated in the email. “We adapt and evolve intellectually AND physically.”

Erin’s Instagram post

So with that, I say: 

a) thank you to @butcherscanary b) this breaks my heart – I’ve opened up a vein for this role, and misogynistic trolling is exactly what Annie would speak out against c) everyone’s going through their own battle(s); let’s not add to it. So, I say a) thanks to @butcherscanary and b) this breaks. I will never intentionally, and certainly not in public, add to anything you’ve said.

She closed her letter by stating, “This has only increased my empathy muscle, and to anybody who comes at me: I see you, I don’t hate you, I simply sympathise and forgive.” 

Erinelairmoriarty’s Instagram caption

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), and I’ve grown UP in this character’s shoes (*emphasis on grown-up – we change & evolve mentally AND physically). So with that, I say: a) thank you to @butcherscanary, b) this does break my heart – I’ve opened up a vein for this role, and misogynistic trolling is exactly what this role (Annie) would speak out against, and c) everyone’s going through their own battle(s); let’s not add to that. I will never intentionally (and ESPECIALLY) publicly add to yours. This has only strengthened my empathy muscle and to anyone who comes at me: I see you, I don’t hate you, I only empathize and forgive.

Moriarty’s fellow cast members

On multiple occasions, Moriarty’s fellow cast members expressed their approval in the comments section. You and everything you say here to have my complete and utter support. Excellently put 😉 Your performance on the show is and has always been outstanding, and you are stunning both on the inside and out. Keep shining,” Antony Starr, who plays the hero Homelander in “The Boys,” stated in an Instagram post.

Jack Quaid, Hughie Campbell

“Love you, Erin. Everyone is here to help you out. You are such an extraordinary, talented force of nature, and I count myself extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to call you a friend. Continue to shine like the sun. We’ll take care of the trolls. Jack Quaid, who portrays the role of Hughie Campbell, emailed his friend to reassure him that they had his back. Nate Mitchell, Jessica McNamee, Fiona Gubelmann, Michael Cudlitz, and Chace Crawford, as well as several other actors, are among those who have also shown their support in the form of comments.

Ammaji