Marvel star Simu Liu has publicly defended Pedro Pascal following a wave of online hostility aimed at the actor. After attending the premiere of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Liu praised Pascal’s performance and addressed the negative attention Pascal has received during his recent press engagements. This show of support highlights ongoing tensions around social media responses to celebrities.
Appreciation for the Cast and Confronting Online Harassment
Liu, known for his role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, expressed enthusiasm for the new Marvel film and its ensemble, which features Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn. Sharing a moment from the red carpet on Threads, Liu wrote,
Love this movie, love pedro, love vanessa, love joe, love ebon…
—Simu Liu
He followed up with a direct response to the criticism Pascal has been facing, stating,
manufactured hate for someone simply because they’re experiencing a moment of extreme visibility (ie a press tour they contractually obligated to do) is really f——- boring.
—Simu Liu
Background of the Criticism Toward Pedro Pascal
The negative attention towards Pascal began when several online troll accounts accused the actor of being uncomfortable around his co-stars. Much of the discussion centered on his close relationship with Vanessa Kirby, the co-star from The Last of Us and The Fantastic Four. Both actors have openly acknowledged their friendship, but some users on social media described Pascal’s interactions as unusual, especially with female colleagues.
Additional scrutiny emerged in January 2024 after a video surfaced showing Pascal playfully touching Giada Colagrande, wife of fellow actor Willem Dafoe, during Dafoe’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. Though brief and lacking context, some viewers speculated about Dafoe’s reaction changes in the clip. This incident intensified debates online, with critics and supporters engaging fervently.
Community Reactions and Calls for Respecting Boundaries
While some social media users continue to challenge Pascal’s behavior, many have defended him, condemning the backlash as unwarranted. A fan responding to Liu’s post wrote,
It’s truly pathetic, and so are both the men and the women that are turning this into a debacle OVER TWO CONSENTING ADULTS. When consent has ALWAYS been the key factor, suddenly doesn’t matter because one is married, like? Make it make sense.
—Fan
Implications for Public Figures Facing Online Scrutiny
Simu Liu’s intervention underscores the pressures actors face when moments of heightened visibility, such as press tours and premieres, lead to intense public scrutiny. By defending Pascal, Liu is addressing what he sees as manufactured negativity fueled by social media dynamics rather than factual concerns. This situation highlights ongoing challenges in balancing celebrity privacy and public interest, especially during major promotional events.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Can Pedro Pascal have kids?
A. In movies, his characters often take on fatherly roles, like in space adventures with aliens or journeys with young girls. However, in real life, Pascal’s situation is quite different. He is single, has no kids, and has no intentions of becoming a father.
Q. Does Pedro Pascal support LGBTQ?
A. Pedro Pascal used Instagram to show his support for young people in the LGBTQ+ community.
Q. Why is Pedro Pascal a babygirl?
A. The term “babygirl” now refers to a man who has a gentle and open nature. People use it to describe individuals like Mescal and Pascal. For many, this term suggests someone who is appealing. However, it also hints at a bit of innocence or inexperience.
