Black Mirror star Will Poulter has announced that he’s taking a break from social media after becoming overwhelmed by the huge range of responses to his role in the Black Mirror movie Bandersnatch.
The British actor, who plays programmer Colin Ritman in the popular interactive episode, posted a statement on Twitter that explained his choice to step back from Twitter.
“In light of my recent experiences I am choosing to take a step back, of sorts, from Twitter,” Will wrote.
“Before I do, I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everybody who has watched Bandersnatch and for their responses (whatever they may be) to the material we created.
“I accept all criticisms and it’s been a delight to learn that so many of you enjoyed what many people worked very hard to produce!
With love… pic.twitter.com/JSm7oNLTsV
— Will Poulter (@PoulterWill) January 2, 2019
“As we all know there is a balance to be struck in our engagements with social media. There are positives to enjoy and inevitable negatives that are best avoided. It’s a balance I have struggled with for a while now and in the interest of my mental health I feel the time has come to change my relationship with social media.”
Poulter added: “I don’t want to appear unappreciative of all the amazing support I have received online for which I am genuinely so grateful, nor do I want my disengagement with social media to be at the expense of any of the organisations I am lucky to work with. So I will still be posting occasionally for and with @AntiBullyingPro @leap_cc @MayMeasure and @bptcompany among others.
“I am privileged to have this platform. I hope that this shift to reduce my personal expression and increase the focus on issues that matter will result in a better outcome for everyone. That is not the end. Consider it an alternative path. With love, Will.”
Although Poulter didn’t mention any specific reasons for leaving Twitter, it’s thought that it could relate to disparaging comments about his appearance in Bandersnatch.
Y'all would hype up everyone and everything but when there's someone like Will Poulter who actually deserves all the praise and hype you all trash him for his looks
— Bernie (@blueIilies) January 2, 2019
i can’t believe twitter rly bullied will poulter for his looks and made him have to step back from social media because of it. this is disgusting. he is an amazing person and it’s not funny to make fun of someones appearance. it’s not okay.
— ????? (@duartesthrone) January 2, 2019
Meanwhile, a series of creepy Black Mirror posters were recently spotted on the London Underground.