Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Fandom Harassment: Stars and Critics Caught in Crossfire

1/31/2026

49 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Heated Rivalry fandom harasses critics, including queer voices, as fans defend the show and its stars.
Online attacks target actor François Arnaud amid dating rumors involving co-star Storrie.
Mel Stanfill, a toxic-fandom expert, says some fans are blinded by victim mentality and fail to recognize their power to harm others.
Stanfill urges fans to remember that actors are real people and to foster a more positive community.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Heated Rivalry fandom harasses critics, including queer voices, as fans defend the show and its stars.
Online attacks target actor François Arnaud amid dating rumors involving co-star Storrie.
Mel Stanfill, a toxic-fandom expert, says some fans are blinded by victim mentality and fail to recognize their power to harm others.
Stanfill urges fans to remember that actors are real people and to foster a more positive community.