In a highly unusual move, retail and entertainment titan Amazon has issued a direct public plea, calling for an immediate end to the relentless online bullying targeted at the young stars of its hit coming-of-age drama, 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'.
The company felt compelled to intervene after cast members, including Gavin Casalegno (Jeremiah), Christopher Briney (Conrad), and Lola Tung (Belly), became the subject of a vicious campaign of harassment across social media platforms. The abuse appears to be driven by a toxic segment of the show's fanbase, who direct vitriol at actors based on their favourite fictional character's storyline.
'Please act normal.' This was the stark, simple message from an Amazon Studios representative, who emphasised that the actors are real people who should not be attacked for narrative choices made by the show's writers and producers.
The phenomenon, often dubbed 'ship wars' where fans fiercely debate romantic pairings, has escalated far beyond healthy debate. Stars have been inundated with hateful comments, threats, and invasive personal speculation, creating a deeply unhealthy work environment.
This public statement highlights a growing crisis within online fan cultures surrounding major streaming properties. While fan engagement is often celebrated and encouraged, Amazon's intervention marks a clear line where passion has morphed into damaging abuse. The company's decision to speak out underscores the severity of the situation and its duty of care towards its talent.
Author and showrunner Jenny Han has previously spoken out against the bullying, reinforcing that the cast are 'real human beings'. Amazon's corporate statement amplifies this message on a larger scale, signalling that such behaviour will not be tolerated and is entirely separate from the spirit of the show itself.
