When Erin Moriarty, known for her role as Starlight on The Boys, faced backlash from so-called fans accusing her of undergoing plastic surgery, she decided to step away from social media. The accusations reached such a fever pitch that even former Fox News presenter Megyn Kelly chimed in, claiming Moriarty had an “addiction” to plastic surgery.
The Online Backlash
In January 2024, Moriarty addressed the allegations in a heartfelt Instagram post that has since been deleted. She expressed her shock and heartbreak over the harassment she received.
“This is something I truly never anticipated writing. We’re all subject to levels of bullying throughout our lives but I am horrified,” she wrote.
Moriarty emphasized that the vitriol she faced was unwarranted and deeply hurtful. The online bullying included increased paparazzi surveillance and relentless negative commentary.
Support from Co-Stars and Fans
During this challenging period, Moriarty found solace and support from her co-stars, particularly Karen Fukuhara, who plays Kimiko in The Boys. “I was really worried about her for a period of time,” Fukuhara shared, highlighting the emotional toll the bullying took on Moriarty.
Remarkably, women from around the world began reaching out to Moriarty, sharing their own stories of online harassment. This outpouring of support transformed Moriarty’s perspective, turning her from heartbroken to galvanized.
“Now, I’m not heartbroken. I’m galvanized,” she reflected. The shared experiences helped Moriarty realize she was not alone in her struggle and gave her the strength to move forward.
Megyn Kelly’s Comments
Megyn Kelly’s remarks on her show added fuel to the fire. She compared Moriarty’s current appearance to her past looks, expressing disbelief that Moriarty’s face was not “AI-generated.” Kelly went on to call Moriarty’s appearance “a sign of mental illness,” further intensifying the scrutiny.
In response, Moriarty decided to take an “extensive, if not permanent” break from Instagram. Her emotional post condemned Kelly’s comments as a prime example of the harassment she had been enduring.
“To receive a message about a disgustingly false, counterproductive to the degree of being ironically misogynistic video of Megyn Kelly commenting on the manner — to learn the widespread nature of this has left me horrified,” Moriarty wrote.
Addressing the Allegations
Various experts, including Dr. Gary Linkov, have analyzed Moriarty’s appearance over the years. In his YouTube video, Linkov noted natural changes and suggested minor procedures, such as botox to the forehead and possible work on her nose and eyelids. Despite these analyses, the focus remained on the unfounded allegations and their impact on Moriarty.
Moving Forward
By June 2024, around the premiere of The Boys Season 4, Moriarty spoke to The New York Times about her experience with online bullying.
She revealed that while the comments initially left her heartbroken, she now felt stronger and more determined. “I had left it on a note where I’d explicitly said that I had been heartbroken by the comments. Now, I’m not heartbroken. I’m galvanized,” she stated.
Moriarty’s journey reflects her resilience and determination to rise above the negativity. Her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health and the power of support from loved ones and fans. As she continues to embrace her role as Starlight, Moriarty proves she embodies the strength and courage of her character both on and off-screen.
Conclusion
Erin Moriarty’s battle with online bullying and plastic surgery allegations highlights the pervasive issue of harassment faced by many, particularly in the public eye.
Her ability to turn a painful experience into a source of strength and resilience is inspiring. Moriarty’s story is a testament to the importance of standing up against bullying and supporting those who face such challenges.
The first three episodes of The Boys Season 4 are now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, with new episodes releasing every Thursday. As Moriarty continues to shine on-screen as Starlight, her real-life courage and resilience make her a true hero both in and out of character.