The second season of The Last of Us , released on April 14, 2025 on Max, has cemented its place as one of the most acclaimed series of the year, but it has also generated controversies that transcend the screen. Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old actress who plays Ellie, has been in the spotlight not only for her performance, but for a strong reaction to a joke that emerged on social networks. The phrase “I’m going to be a dad,” attributed to Ramsey in a humorous context related to her character, unleashed a wave of memes and comments on platforms such as X. However, the actress did not find the matter funny and, according to recent reports, has threatened to take legal action against any individual or organization that continues to spread similar jokes.

The origin of the controversy dates back to a scene from the second season, where the character of Ellie, in a highly charged emotional moment, interacts with Dina, played by Isabela Merced. The relationship between the two characters, which in the video game The Last of Us Part II includes a lesbian romance, has been a focal point for fans. In an attempt at humor, some social media users began circulating an edited clip from the series, accompanied by the phrase “I’m going to be a dad,” insinuating that Ellie would take on a paternal role in the narrative. Although the joke might seem harmless to some, Ramsey perceived it as a misrepresentation of her character and a mockery of her non-binary gender identity, something she has publicly defended for years.

Ramsey, who has faced criticism and online harassment since being cast as Ellie in 2021, issued a statement through her legal team, according to reports in outlets such as Variety . In it, the actress expressed her frustration at what she considers a lack of respect not only for her work, but also for the representation of diversity in the series. “I will not tolerate my image or that of my character being used to perpetuate stereotypes or mockery that trivializes gender identities,” she stated. The threat of suing those who continue these jokes has divided opinions: while some support her position, others accuse her of overreacting to a joke on social media.

The controversy comes as Ramsey has already dealt with multiple challenges related to her role in The Last of Us . Since her casting was announced, she has faced misogynistic criticism and homophobic comments, particularly for Ellie’s sexual orientation and for not fitting the conventional beauty standards some fans had come to expect from the character. Recent articles, such as those published in El País and Infobae , have documented the digital harassment Ramsey has endured, including attacks on her physique and non-binary identity. Despite this, the actress has maintained a steadfast stance, using her platform to advocate for inclusivity and mental health, topics she has openly addressed after revealing her autism diagnosis and struggle with emetophobia.

The impact of this situation on the public perception of The Last of Us is undeniable. The series, directed by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, has been praised for its faithfulness to the video game and its handling of themes such as diversity and empathy. However, Ramsey’s reaction has sparked a debate about the limits of humor on social media and the responsibility of fans in their treatment of actors. Some users on X have defended the joke as an expression of meme culture, while others have backed Ramsey, arguing that the jokes perpetuate harmful narratives about gender and sexuality.

For Ramsey, this episode is an extension of the battles she’s fought since her Game of Thrones debut at age 11. Her career, marked by roles in Catherine Called Birdy and The Worst Witch , reflects a commitment to complex characters and meaningful narratives. However, the intensity of public scrutiny has led the actress to limit her social media presence, a decision that, according to sources close to her, is intended to protect her mental well-being.

As The Last of Us continues to air new episodes, the controversy surrounding Ramsey underscores the challenges of being a public figure in the digital age. The threat of legal action could set a precedent for how actors address online harassment and mockery, while also highlighting the need for a broader dialogue about respect and representation in pop culture. For now, Ramsey remains focused on her portrayal of Ellie, a role that, despite the media storms, continues to resonate with millions of viewers around the world.