‘The Boys’ Showrunner Shuts Down Misogynist “Fans” Trolling Lead Actress

The Boys is a wickedly hilarious satire of the superhero genre — but some of its fans don’t seem to understand satire. Showrunner Eric Kripke recently spoke out against viewers who seem to be willfully misconstruing the show and its characters, particularly the character of Starlight.

@erinelairmoriarty/Instagram

Starlight, aka Annie January, is played by Erin Moriarty.

@erinelairmoriarty/Instagram

As a superhero who wanted to inspire young women, Starlight feels used by Vought International. In the show, she experiences sexual assault, misogyny, and over-sexualization in the media. And (SPOILER ALERT!) she finally quits to try and use her powers to bring the company down.

@erinelairmoriarty/TikTok

Moriarty has faced sexist treatment in real life by the public as a result of her role, including people commenting on her appearance.

In an Instagram post, she responded to a Variety article that showed how she has been trolled by “fans” of the show. Moriarty said she felt “silenced,” “dehumanized,” and “paralyzed” by the harassment. “This kind of trolling is exactly what this role (Annie) would speak out against,” she added.

“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.”

@erinelairmoriarty/TikTok

The showrunner, Eric Kripke, tweeted at these so-called fans with his own message, which was basically if you’re a misogynist jerk you need to stop watching the show:

“Hi trolls! One, this is literally the opposite of the show’s f*cking message. Two, you’re causing pain to real people with real feelings. Be kind. If you can’t be kind, then eat a bag of dicks, f*ck off to the sun & don’t watch #TheBoys, we don’t want you,” he wrote.

Hopefully, his message will have an impact — but likely trolls will keep trolling.

Featured Image: Instagram

Patricia Grisafi

Patricia Grisafi, PhD, is a freelance writer and educator. Her work has appeared in Salon, Vice, Bitch, Bustle, Broadly, The Establishment, and elsewhere. She is passionate about pit bull rescue, cursed objects, and designer sunglasses.