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John Boyega calls on Star Wars fans to stop harassment after Kelly Marie Tran quits social media

'You’re not entitled to politeness when your approach is rude. Even if you paid for a ticket!'

Jack Shepherd
Wednesday 13 June 2018 09:25 BST
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John Boyega has spoken out against Star Wars fans sending abuse to the franchise’s actors on social media.

Both Daisy Ridley and Kelly Marie Tran have left social media platforms after receiving abuse online from trolls upset by the recent spate of Disney-produced Star Wars movies.

Boyega, who plays Finn, wrote on Twitter: “If you don’t like Star Wars or the characters, understand that there are decision makers and harassing the actors/actresses will do nothing.

“You’re not entitled to politeness when your approach is rude. Even if you paid for a ticket!”

The 26-year-old followed with another message: “To the majority of Star Wars fans, thank you for supporting and putting yourselves in our shoes. You understand that there is a process so much appreciated!”

Ridley initially abandoned social media in 2016, following the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The actor posted a message to Instagram advocating for gun control, receiving an overwhelming amount of negative feedback from the fanbase.

Tran followed suit earlier this month. After a break-out appearance as Rose in the controversial The Last Jedi, she received wide-spread abuse online from Star Wars fans upset by the movie and the character.

While Tran has not commented publicly yet, Star Wars alumni Mark Hamill and director Rian Johnson have also commented on online abuse.

“#GetALifeNerds,” Hamill posted alongside a photo of himself and Tran, accompanied by the caption: ”What’s not to love?”

Johnson wrote: “On social media a few unhealthy people can cast a big shadow on the wall, but over the past 4 years I’ve met lots of real fellow SW fans. We like and dislike stuff but we do it with humour, love & respect. We’re the VAST majority, we’re having fun and doing just fine.”

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