Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley has quit Instagram.
The star pulled her account after she received a flurry of negative comments from gun proponents following comments she made against gun violence.
The Instagram post, which also appeared on her Facebook page, was posted after Ridley was joined at the Teen Choice Awards by teenage family members of victims from Orlando, Newtown and San Bernardino shootings.
In the post, she wrote: “Thinking about how lucky I am like………Serious bit: as I sat in the audience yesterday tears were streaming down my face at the tribute to those that have been lost to gun violence.
“I didn’t get a great picture of the incredible group that came on stage but they were so brave. It was a true moment of togetherness. We must #stoptheviolence.”
PressComments came flooding in with some echoing Ridley’s sentiment, and others criticising her for speaking out, accusing her of hypocrisy due to violence in the Star Wars films. Soon after, the Instagram post and the entire account disappeared. A Facebook post was also deleted, reports Entertainment Weekly.
Ridley briefly reactivated her Instagram account and posted a message explaining her hiatus: “I just want to be on my phone less! Trying to be more present and all that and got a busy few months ahead so wanted less distractions… It’s all good! :)” she wrote. “I always appreciate the support and love the Instagram community! X.”
Earlier this year, Ridley posted a lengthy statement about her self-esteem.
The star posted a glamorous picture of herself on Instagram with the words “I woke up like this. #no filter #nomakeup” before declaring “3 of these statements aren’t true” and warned that what is posted on social media is not always accurate.
She explained: “Social media is great but also a bit scary cause what people post is the most filtered, most carefully chosen and cleverly edited moments of their lives. And self-esteem is a huge issue for people around the world. My skin isn’t great so I don’t post no make-up selfies, much as I’d like to; I have a trainer urging me on in workouts and don’t include all the times I say ‘I can’t do it’ and I don’t smile all the time but I like to share the pictures where I am. But I actually do love myself, I try to think good thoughts always and am surrounded by the most wonderful people, so I’m keeping it balanced (like the Force, obvs). Just thought I’d say 🙂 (sic).”
The actress is set to team up with Episode VII director J.J. Abrams in new fantasy film Kolma, with Ridley reportedly set to take the lead role.
