In the whirlwind of Hollywood’s spotlight, few stars have faced the kind of relentless scrutiny that Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old nonbinary actor, has endured. Known for their breakout role as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones and their gripping portrayal of Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us, Ramsey has become a lightning rod for controversy. Recently, Craig Mazin, co-showrunner of The Last of Us, spoke candidly about the viral social media memes targeting Ramsey, shedding light on why some corners of the internet have branded them “Hollywood’s most hated actress.” This article dives into the toxic undercurrents of fandom culture, Ramsey’s resilience, and Mazin’s powerful defense of their casting.

Since The Last of Us premiered in 2023, Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie, a teenage survivor in a post-apocalyptic world, has sparked heated debate. Social media platforms like X, Reddit, and Instagram have been flooded with memes mocking Ramsey’s appearance, with some cruelly comparing them to characters like the Pale Lady from Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark or ridiculing their “square head.” These memes, often disguised as humor, fueled a cyberbullying campaign so intense that Ramsey deactivated their social media accounts in early 2025. “I always knew I’d step away from social media one day,” Ramsey told The Hollywood Reporter. “Avoiding Twitter and Reddit has made everything fine.” Their decision was less about drama and more about self-preservation, a choice that highlights the toll of online hate.

Craig Mazin, alongside co-creator Neil Druckmann, has been a vocal defender of Ramsey. In a recent interview, Mazin addressed the obsession with Ramsey’s appearance, calling it “a symptom of a deeper issue.” He emphasized that Ramsey was chosen for their ability to embody Ellie’s spirit—her resilience, humor, and emotional complexity—rather than to mirror a video game character’s pixelated features. “Bella brings Ellie to life in a way no one else could,” Mazin said, praising their emotional depth and ability to carry the show’s second season, which premiered on April 13, 2025. He also pointed out a glaring double standard: while male actors like Pedro Pascal face little scrutiny for diverging from their game counterparts, actresses like Ramsey are held to impossible standards.

The backlash against Ramsey isn’t just about looks. Their nonbinary identity, openness about mental health struggles, and portrayal of a lesbian character have made them a target for misogynistic and far-right circles online. Memes mocking Ramsey’s line, “I’m gonna be a dad,” from a scene where Ellie reacts to her girlfriend Dina’s pregnancy, have fueled homophobic and transphobic attacks. Yet, Ramsey’s fans have rallied in their defense. “People seriously watched Bella’s scenes of raw emotion and still say they lack range?” one X user wrote, highlighting the absurdity of the criticism. Another called out the toxicity: “It’s disgusting how people tear into Bella for not being ‘pretty’ enough. Their acting is phenomenal—grow up.”

This isn’t the first time The Last of Us has faced fan backlash. Laura Bailey, who played Abby in the game, received death threats for her character’s actions, and Kaitlyn Dever, who portrays Abby in the show, has also faced abuse. Mazin and Druckmann have consistently condemned this toxic fandom culture, with Mazin noting that Ramsey’s performance in Season 2, particularly in emotionally charged scenes, showcases their undeniable talent. “I was scared of her,” Mazin admitted about a dark moment where Ellie’s rage takes over, proving Ramsey’s ability to command the screen.

Ramsey’s journey reflects a broader issue in Hollywood: the unfair scrutiny faced by women, especially those who challenge norms. Actresses like Rachel Zegler and Halle Bailey have faced similar online firestorms for daring to take on iconic roles. Yet, Ramsey remains a beacon of strength. Supported by Mazin, Pascal, and co-star Isabela Merced, they’ve embraced Ellie’s trauma and resilience, focusing on the character’s emotional truth rather than superficial comparisons. As Mazin put it, “I’m interested in emotional maturity, not physical appearance.”

With critical acclaim, including Emmy and BAFTA nominations, Ramsey’s talent is undeniable. Their decision to step back from social media has silenced the noise, letting their work speak for itself. As The Last of Us continues to captivate audiences, Ramsey’s story is a reminder that talent triumphs over toxicity. In a world quick to judge, their resilience and Mazin’s unwavering support signal a push for change in an industry grappling with its biases.