Outlander star Sam Heughan says he has faced years of bullying, stalking, harassment and even death threats from fans, which has left him feeling hurt and exhausted.
The 39-year-old actor took to social media overnight to post a lengthy account of his experiences over the past six years, saying “I am at a loss, upset, hurt and have to speak out.”
He wrote:
“It’s affecting my life, mental state and is a daily concern. My co-stars, friends, family, myself, in fact anyone I’m associated with, has been subjected to personal slurs, shaming, abuse, death threats, stalking, sharing of private information and vile, false narrative.”
He went on to say that he has been subjected to claims about his sexuality, as well as “trying to mislead or exhort fans for money and disregarding COVID advice.”
Sam Heughan is currently in self-isolation in Hawaii, where he has been since before the travel ban kicked in, and he chose to stay rather than fly back to the UK and risk his and others’ health.
He said he has received some backlash from fans about his decision to stay there, but insists that he is “safe, isolated [and] putting no-one at risk” in his accommodation.
He concluded:
“As an actor in these [times], we feel impotent. We can’t do much but I have tried to use what leverage I have to provide a voice to charities that need it and hopefully a little entertainment or light relief. For those still unhappy I suggest you unfollow. To every fan that has supported me and the work I do, THANK YOU. I’m so grateful, from the bottom of my heart.”
Sam Heughan has starred alongside Caitriona Balfe in five seasons of Outlander, and the historical drama has been renewed for a sixth.
