Apparently even saying something as bland as “gun violence is bad” is an invitation to be treated like dirt by anonymous hordes if you’re a woman in the public eye. Star Wars star Daisy Ridley posted a typical-seeming celebrity Instagram about the gun violence tribute at the Teen Choice Awards: “Thinking about how lucky I am like……… Serious bit: as I sat in the audience yesterday tears were streaming down my face at the tribute to those that have been lost to gun violence.. “I didn’t get a great picture of the incredible group that came onstage but they were so brave. It was a true moment of togetherness. We must #stoptheviolence.”
According to Deadline Hollywood and other sources, this kind of generic statement was going too far for many of Ridley’s online followers. A barrage of hateful comments immediately ensued, calling the actress a hypocrite for appearing in a film with phasers and light-sabers but daring to condemn actual real people being shot.
Ridley deleted the post and left the social media service, claiming that she shut down her accounts down to spend more time away from her phone. But the timing was suspicious — especially coming so soon after Ghostbuster’s Leslie Jones was nearly bullied off Twitter. And so it goes. Women having and sharing opinions remains a phenomenon too upsetting to stand for millions of commenters bathed in the glow of their devices.