Zombie thriller franchiseThe Walking Dead just clapped back at homophobic internet trolls in a concise but oh-so-satisfying tweet.
The show's non-negotiable commitment to showcasing LGBTQ+ characters and relationships has already won praise in the past. The recent tweet only solidified the franchise's solid footing as an ally.
The homophobic hullabaloo all began when actor Jelani Alladin appeared on the podcast Talk Dead to Me.
He discussed how proud he was to play his character in the show who—among many heroic attributes—just so happens to be one half of a same-sex couple.
"There was no kind of need to explain anything further and I love that The Walking Dead is kind of putting that forward, that LGBTQ relationships are nothing different than any other kind of relationship."
"They have the same struggles, they have the same complexities, they get mad at each other, they love each other just as hard."
The onscreen couple is made up of Alladin and fellow actor Nico Tortorella, who identifies as gender fluid.
But in response to Alladin's comments, Youtubers didn't hold back with their criticisms, which regularly veered into problematic territory.
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In response to all that toxicity, the official Twitter account of The Walking Dead posted exactly where it stood on the matter—and how the franchise felt about all their discomfort.
Hi, hello. If LGBTQ+ characters on television (or anywhere) make you uncomfortable or angry, please unfollow us. While we also encourage you to look within and be more accepting, know that there is no place in our fandom for hateful discrimination or willful ignorance. Thank you.
— The Walking Dead (@TheWalkingDead) January 26, 2021
People on Twitter absolutely loved the show's firm stance.
MORE OF THIS PLEASE!!!!!!!
🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
Thank you for speaking out @TheWalkingDead
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— 🦄💜Catnip_n_Honey💜🦄 (@catnip_n_honey) January 26, 2021
Sad that we are still living in a society where producers 'need to warn viewers' that LGBTQ+ Characters are going to be featured in a TV show. If you stop watching for that reason, then you are neither a true fan of the show or a decent human being.
— Chantal Steel (@Chantal_EJW) January 27, 2021
Amen!!! This makes me proud to be a long time TWDFamily!! This show has always been about equality in a dying world. It gives people hope!! At the core love wins always!! Bravo guys, Bravo!!
— Lisa 💜 (@Lasell_83) January 26, 2021
RT to piss off the homophobes pic.twitter.com/LXMt3vDLmH
— g (@danaiscarol) January 26, 2021
Fans of the show who remain comfortable can rest assured no amount of raging internet intolerance will threaten the key elements of the show they love.