The cast of HBO Max’s hit series Heated Rivalry is taking a firm stand against a growing wave of toxic behavior from parts of its fandom, pushing back against harassment, rumors, and online slander that has crossed the line.

Canadian actor Hudson Williams, 25, posted on Instagram Monday (March 9) condemning fans who use racist, homophobic, misogynistic, ableist, or parasocial language.

"Don’t call yourself a fan if you share … bigoted comments of any kind. None of us need your hateful ‘love,’" he wrote. "We all respect and support and love each other and are on the same side – if you can’t accept that, gtfoh."

Williams’ co-stars joined him in speaking out. François Arnaud, 40, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, and Sophie Nélisse all echoed the message, urging fans to keep the conversation positive.

"We are not characters, nor are our real friends, partners, or family, and creating false narratives about us is not ‘love,’" Kharlamova wrote. "So many good things have come out of this series, so let’s keep it that way. Share the love, the art, the dance parties, the friends that have been made, the positivity."

The show’s skyrocketing popularity since its November debut has unfortunately brought intense online scrutiny. Williams has previously faced anti-Asian slurs on platforms like X, while Arnaud has dealt with invasive speculation about dating co-star Connor Storrie, 26.

"I think it’s a lot of younger fans who don’t really understand the difference between reality and fiction," Arnaud told the Toronto Star in January. "I honestly wish they would just rewatch the show, because it doesn’t seem like they got its message."

Fans themselves are weighing in on the conversation. On social media, one fan wrote, "Honestly, some of these 'fans' need a reality check. The cast is amazing, but it’s wild how people think they can harass them online." Another wrote, "Hudson and François are just humans! Can we enjoy the show without creating drama? Respect the actors, people!”

However, some fans admit that the intensity of online fan culture can blur boundaries.

"We get so invested in the show, sometimes it feels personal, but that doesn’t excuse attacking the cast," one fan commented on Instagram. 

Director Jacob Tierney also weighed in, refusing to engage with toxic behavior.

"The segment of the fandom that have become toxic … I’m not here for this. I’m not participating. I’m not paying attention," he told the Loon Call podcast.

Newsflash per the Loon Call Podcast: Jacob does not care for the toxic sides of the HR fandom that are saying horrible things about any of his actors or the characters!!! 👏👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/QQZnN0FOId

— Mika (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧ | In a Heated Rivalry (@_mika60_) February 9, 2026

As the cast heads into filming the next season, they hope to maintain a tight-knit, supportive fan community. Williams emphasized, "There are going to be people who have crazy reactions, but those people can take a hike because the people who have a healthy reaction are the only ones I care about." Kharlamova added, "We want fans to enjoy the art, the friendships, and the message of the show. Hate has no place here, and we’re making that clear."

It’s clear that while toxicity has appeared, a large portion of the fandom is ready to follow the lead of Williams and his co-stars, keeping the focus on the show, the art, and the community it’s creating.

Photo Credit: WWD//GETTY IMAGES