Evan Rachel Wood has called out what she describes as “abusive behaviour” in the third season of Stranger Things.
The Westworld star, who is a survivor of sexual assault, has clashed with some fans of the show after she aired her grievances about the Netflix series on Twitter.
The actress has taken issue with character Sheriff Hopper’s (David Harbour) volatile relationship with Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder), including “policing every guy” Joyce speaks to.
“You should never date a guy like the cop from #strangerthings,” she tweeted. “Extreme jealousy and violent rages are not flattering or sexy like TV would have you believe. That is all.
“Yes I am aware its ‘just a show’ and its set ‘in the 80s’ even though this stuff was unacceptable then too, but thats exactly my point. Its just a show and this is a gentle reminder not to fall for this crap in real life. Red flags galore (sic).”
When some Stranger Things fans initially responded negatively to her tweets, Evan replied: “Also I cant not laugh at the people assuring me its just a show but correcting me on the characters name.”
As the actress continued to be trolled for her comments, she pointed out it was evidence of the toxic environment she was complaining about.
“Cue all the abusive people attacking me on twitter for posting a warning not to fall for abusive behavior like a popular tv character exhibited on a popular show because it reminds them of themselves and they feel personally attacked? Bring it on guys,” she wrote.
“I didnt even say he was a bad guy or to stop watching the show, I just said ‘dont date people like that.’ But alas, abusers hear an attack and want a fight. Proving my point with their own retaliation.”
When someone suggested people would never date a woman like her android character Dolores from Westworld because she would “legit kill you”, the actress argued that it is in “self-defence”.
“I play a robot who murders people because they wouldnt stop raping and killing her for 30 years,” she responded. “Not saying thats right either. Though some would argue self-defense. Dolores is as single as they come.”
The Stranger Things team and Hopper actor David Harbour have yet to respond to Evan’s criticisms of the show..
Stranger Things season 3 is now streaming on Netflix.
If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you are not in immediate danger, you can contact:
- The Freephone 24 hour National Domestic Violence Helpline (run in partnership by Women’s Aid and Refuge): 0808 2000 247
- In Scotland, contact Scotland’s 24 hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline: 0800 027 1234
- In Northern Ireland, contact the 24 hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline: 0808 802 1414
- In Wales, contact the 24 hour Life Fear Free Helpline on 0808 80 10 800.
- National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428
- Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
- Respect helpline (for anyone worried about their own behaviour): 0808 802 0321