Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Joseph Quinn condemns Stranger Things trolls for ‘disgusting’ harassment of co-star

Eddie Munson actor isn't happy with a contingent of Netflix show's fanbase

Jacob Stolworthy
Wednesday 08 March 2023 21:17 GMT
Comments
Eddie plays Metallica on guitar in Stranger Things 4

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Joseph Quinn has criticisedStranger Things trolls for harassing his co-star.

The actor played Eddie Munson in the fourth season of the hit Netflix show, and swiftly became a favourite among viewers.

Quinn shared the majority of his early scenes with Grace Van Dien, with Eddie striking up an unlikely friendship with cheerleader Chrissy Cunningham in the first episode.

After the season was released in July 2022, Van Dien found herself the subject of relentless negative comments, and Quinn has now addressed these during a live Q&A at Showmasters’ London Comic Con.

During the event on Saturday (4 March), Quinn was asked: “I just wanted to ask from the perspective of an actor and a friend and supporter of women, what your thoughts are on the harassment that Grace Van Dien’s received for playing your on-screen love interest?”

Quinn called the harassment “awful”, adding: “I was talking to her about it. The internet is a very unforgiving place.

“It’s a place where people can show a lot of support, or where people can rally around hatred and misinformation.”

He continued: “It’s indicative of where we are culturally – just through association she was getting lambasted. It’s disgusting. I don’t know what to say other than it sucks.”

Grace Van Dien in ‘Stranger Things’
Grace Van Dien in ‘Stranger Things’ (Netflix)

The Stranger Things fandom has praised Quinn for his comments.

Van Dien is the daughter of Starship Troopers actor Caspar Van Dien and Carrie Mitchum, whose grandfather was Hollywood star Robert Mitchum.

Following season four, Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer have admitted to regretting killing off Van Dien’s character.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in