UPDATE: Amazon has urgently reminded fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty to “keep the conversation kind” amid rising online bullying directed at the show’s actors. In a rare official statement released on social media accounts like Instagram and TikTok, Amazon addressed the issue, stating, “The show isn’t real but the people playing the characters are.”
This announcement comes as the series, now in its third and final season, airs its eighth of eleven episodes, escalating tensions among fans divided into two camps: Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah. The emotional response from fans has led to instances of harassment and vitriol, prompting Amazon’s intervention.
In a video graphic accompanying the statement, Amazon emphasized the need for a healthier online environment, urging fans to start “acting normal online.” The message aligns with an earlier reminder issued in July promoting a zero tolerance policy for bullying and hate speech within the fan community.
The series, adapted from the novels by Jenny Han, follows the romantic trials of Belly Conklin (played by Lola Tung) as she navigates her feelings for two brothers, Conrad (played by Christopher Briney) and Jeremiah (played by Gavin Casalegno). As the show heads toward its climax, the cast and creators have been vocal about the negative impact of fan behavior online.
Earlier this month, Tung highlighted the dangers of extreme fan reactions, stating, “Please don’t threaten to kill someone if something doesn’t go your way – I promise you, it’s not that serious.” The emotional weight of these threats has taken a toll on the cast, with Casalegno revealing that he stopped checking Instagram due to the backlash, including public death threats related to his role.
In response to the situation, Han expressed her concerns via an Instagram story, underscoring that while fan passion is understandable, some posts, especially those depicting violence, are unacceptable. “Even in jest, posting images of a woman being slapped or choked is not funny,” she remarked.
As the final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty approaches its conclusion on September 17, 2023, the call for kindness resonates strongly within the community. Amazon’s proactive stance aims to foster a more supportive environment for both fans and the actors who bring these beloved characters to life.
What happens next? Fans are encouraged to engage in positive discussions about the series and its characters as they await the final episodes. The urgency of Amazon’s message serves as a reminder that respect and kindness should prevail in any fandom.
