Hudson Williams is deeply regretful after a resurfaced image has sparked controversy online.
The Heated Rivalry breakout star has been blasted online after an old picture of him resurfaced and went viral. In it, he poses in a blue t-shirt with names and other things scribbled on his shirt and face — including a swastika on his forehead! WTF?!
After fans called out the hateful symbol, sources close to the actor are speaking out in his defense! Insiders told TMZ on Sunday that Hudson had NO idea that was drawn on him at the time. Apparently, the pic was taken back when he was in high school and participating in an annual “campout” tradition in his Canadian small town, which usually involved partying, underage drinking, and covering each other in Sharpie drawings.
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Hudson had no idea what was being written on him at the time, as teens typically scribbled inappropriate things to get a rise out of each other. A friend of Hudson’s insisted:
“The markings do not and have never reflected Hudson’s beliefs, values, or character.”
Sources close to him doubled down, saying it was a result of underage kids doing “dumb things” while under the influence. They called the behavior inexcusable, adding that Hudson is well aware of how inappropriate that is today and doesn’t condone or support the marking. Recognizing the seriousness of the symbol, he understands why the pic has caused a ton of hurt and disappointment and deeply regrets it.
Anonymous sources aren’t the only ones sticking up for him.
Simu Liu seemingly spoke out against the narrative, writing on Threads on Tuesday:
“Soo I have this very specific trauma attached to people on the internet fabricating things about me and twisting things into a massive hate campaign when I first broke out. I began to recognize patterns whenever people of colour specifically had a moment of visibility. It happened like clockwork and I see it happening now. The internet is insane. Bad actors are everywhere. If you’re here, be careful. Be smart.”
The 25-year-old, who is no stranger to online bullying, has not publicly commented on the scandal.
It’s certainly not a good look, and we hope he really had no part in participating in such ugly behavior. Shame on whoever Sharpie’d it on him, too.
Thoughts, Perezcious readers? Let us know what you think in the comments (below)!
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[Image via MEGA/WENN]