Los Angeles, California – “The Boys” actress Erin Moriarty has decided to take a break from Instagram after being on the receiving end of what she described as “verbal abuse” following comments made by television personality Megyn Kelly about her appearance. Moriarty, known for her role as Starlight in the Prime Video series, expressed her decision in a statement posted on her Instagram page, calling Kelly’s comments “horrific allegations” and the segment “misinformed” and “inaccurate.”
The controversy stemmed from a recent episode of “The Megyn Kelly Show,” where Kelly showcased photos of Moriarty in a discussion about society’s fixation on cosmetic procedures, despite not having watched “The Boys.” Kelly’s comments about the actress deciding to “completely change her face” led Moriarty to defend herself, stating that one of the photos was taken “over a decade ago” and the other was from an event where professional makeup was applied, giving the appearance of “major contouring.”
Amid the backlash, Moriarty announced her decision to take an “extensive if not permanent break” from social media and expressed her dismay over the “reductive assumptions and harassment” she had faced. Despite the criticism, Moriarty made it clear that she chose not to deactivate her account so that her statement could remain publicly accessible on her page.
The actress also addressed the issue of false information being used to perpetuate a message that is “exhibitionist feminism,” highlighting the impact of the reaction and assumptions made about her. In response to Moriarty’s statement, CNN reached out to representives for both Moriarty and Kelly for further comment.
Moriarty’s decision to step away from social media comes as a poignant reflection of the challenges faced by public figures in navigating online abuse and misinformation. Her resilience in the face of adversity serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care and standing up against harmful narratives in the digital sphere.
In addition to her role in “The Boys,” Moriarty has also made notable appearances in shows like “True Detective,” “Jessica Jones,” and “One Life to Live.” Her career has been marked by a range of diverse and compelling performances, showcasing her talent and versatility as an actress.