13 Reasons Why cast call out fans bullying Ani actress Grace Saif online
28 August 2019, 13:02
Alisha Boe, Timothy Granaderos, Devin Druid and Anne Winters have all defended Grace Saif in 13 Reasons Why season 3.
The cast of 13 Reasons Why have taken to social media to ask fans to stop bullying Grace Saif, who stars as Ani, in season 3.
Viewers of 13 Reasons Why season 3 will already know that Grace Saif plays a key role in the series. Following the departure of Hannah (Katherine Langford) at the end of season 2, Ani becomes the narrator in the show. Ani is a new student at Liberty High who quickly becomes friends with Clay Jensen and finds herself caught up in the mystery over who killed Bryce.
Early reception to Ani has been mixed. People can't decide whether she's trustworthy or not and her involvement in Bryce's controversial redemption arc is questionable to say the least.
READ MORE: 13 Reasons Why's Grace Saif deletes Instagram after backlash over character Ani
However, the backlash towards Ani is being targeted at Grace now and it's not okay. In fact, fans have sent Grace so many negative tweets that's she's quit Instagram and Twitter.
Following the backlash, Grace's co-stars have begun defending her and calling out the fans bullying her.
Taking to Instagram, Timothy Granaderos (Monty) shared a photo with Grace and a group of the other 13 Reasons Why cast members writing: "Hey Y’all, just a reminder. Whether or not you support, like, or love, a character in our fictional tv show—please remember that there is a talented and beautiful actor/actress bringing those scripted words to life."
He then added: "One of the underlining themes in our show is to take care of each other. I’ve seen some pretty nasty things being said online, concerning the introduction of a new character. Y’all are passionate & we love you for that, but PLEASE PLEASE try to be kind and respect the work of the talented actress/actor behind the character."
Alisha Boe (Jessica) then published Timothy's post on her Instagram stories, adding: "Gentle reminder that we are actors playing fictional characters" and "we're a family". Devin Druid (Tyler) also re-grammed Alisha's post via his Instagram stories.
Anne Winters (Chloe) also defended Grace and her character in an interview with People. “I think her role was very important this season, because, you know, you need someone that has the other side of Bryce. And we wouldn’t have really gotten to see that unless there was some sort of new character that was living with him."
Anne then continued: "And Ani is amazing, Grace who plays Ani is like the sweetest girl ever. I really loved her character this season.” In response to how Grace is coping with the negative tweets, she said: “I honestly have not talked to her, I haven’t seen her … but I hope she is [holding up well]. She’s amazing.”
As it stands, Grace is yet to publicly address the backlash. We shall update you if she does. In the meantime, please remember that Grace is not her character and doesn't deserve any of the hate being directed her way.
