“Outlander” star Sam Heughan has had it with the haters.
In a long post on Twitter early Friday morning, the 39-year-old actor vented that he has faced six years of “constant bullying, harassment, stalking and false narrative” that has left him emotionally battered.
“I am at a loss, upset, hurt and have to speak out,” says Heughan, who has been self-isolating in Hawaii since last month because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s affecting my life, mental state and is a daily concern,” writes the star, who plays strapping Jamie Fraser opposite Caitriona Balfe as his time-traveling wife, Claire, in the Starz series, now in its fifth season. “My co-stars, friends, family, myself, in fact anyone I’m associated with, has been subjected to personal slurs, shaming, abuse, death threats, stalking, sharing of private information and vile, false narrative,” he says in the long rant.
“I’ve never spoken about it because I believe in humanity and have always hoped these bullies would just go away,” he says.
Heughan also mentions “legal” drama with individuals “who should know better,” dropping further clues — but scant on details — about what he has faced.
“Recently, these false claims vary from me manipulating fans, being a closet-homosexual, trying to mislead or exhort fans for money and disregarding COVID advice. I’ve done non [sic] of the above,” he writes.
“I’m so hurt by this,” he continues. “As an actor in these time [sic], we feel impotent. We can’t do much but I have tried to use what leverage I have to provide a voice to charities that need it and hopefully a little entertainment or light relief. For those still unhappy I suggest you unfollow.”
Heughan did, however, offer praise for nonjudgmental admirers who have stuck by him. “To every fan that has supported me and the work I do, THANK YOU,” he writes. “I’m so grateful, from the bottom of my heart.”
This was Heughan’s second brush with haters in recent memory. During a virtual Paley Fest Q&A event with fans last month, he mentioned being quarantined in Hawaii since before a travel ban was initiated. But a fan scolded him and questioned whether he booked his trip to blow off the event or whether he booked the trip during the pandemic’s rise. “People are dying, being quarantined and many have lost their jobs,” said the fan. “This is serious, dude.”
To which Heughan curtly replied, “Thank you for your concern . . . Yes people ARE dying. It’s terrifying. For your information, I booked once I knew Paley was canceled. Is that OK with you?”