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Bridgerton star Luke Newton and his love, professional dancer Antonia Rounelioti, are speaking out against online hate... and speaking up for online kindness!
In a now-expired post on her Instagram stories, Antonia explained how she's been subjected to "relentless scrutiny" and "countless false narratives" for the last three years. Part of her message said:
"You do not know me, nor do you know anything about my personal life beyond who my partner is. Following someone's life does not give you the right to spread lies, make cruel comments or tear another woman down."
She added, "The level of hatred directed towards women online is deeply disturbing. Words have consequences, and while I am fortunate to have the strength and support to cope with this, that does not make such behaviour harmless. Treatment like this can have a devastating effect on someone's mental health."
Shortly after, Luke also took to his Instagram stories with a message: "A little reminder. Be kind or simply click 'not interested'. Don't waste your time spreading hate. One day you'll look back and wonder what it was all for."
It's unclear what sort of online hate they two have been receiving but they certainly aren't the only ones who've experienced it - last year, Prime Video had to release a PSA urging fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty to be kind towards its actors and their loved ones: "We have a ZERO tolerance policy for bullying and hate speech." And more recently, the streamer called out fans of Off Campus: "The community is built on a shared love of storytelling - and on respect for the real people who bring it to life. We ask that everyone in this space extend that respect to our cast and the people in their lives."
(Feature Image Credit: Bruce Glikas/Getty Images)
