Stephanie Tyler Jones, the girl behind Mary Jane Watson’s face in Insomniac’s Spider-Man video games, lately stated she’s obtained harassment from followers, together with cellphone calls to her office the place callers demand to talk to her. In a public put up on social media, she requested these followers to cease.
Within the authentic Marvel’s Spider-Man on PS4 and its subsequent ports, spin-offs, and sequel, Jones offered the face mannequin of Peter Parker’s well-known girlfriend, MJ. Whereas Laura Bailey offered the voice of MJ, it was Jones’ face that impressed the character’s in-game mannequin. Because of this, Jones has grow to be well-known within the Spider-Man group. However lately, some followers went too far, in accordance with Jones, and began calling her day job and leaving voicemails that made her really feel “unsafe” and “uncomfortable.”
On January 8, Jones posted a brief, public letter on Instagram detailing what occurred and asking followers to respect her boundaries and to cease messaging her about MJ and Spider-Man.
“Over the weekend, some followers crossed boundaries,” Jones stated. “One even went to the extent of calling my office and leaving a number of voicemails wanting to talk with me and requesting I name again, which is unacceptable and thought of stalking.”
Whereas she does “admire” the optimistic response her model of MJ has obtained from gamers through the years, she is not actively auditioning, appearing, or modeling. As an alternative, she now works in skincare, which is why, she requested followers to respect her profession change and never message her skincare-focused Instagram or job.
“My skincare web page just isn’t for Spider-Man or MJ followers,” Jones posted. “Backside line is that I got here into work this morning and instantly felt unsafe and uncomfortable listening to these voicemails.”
Jones ended the letter asking for followers and gamers to “respect that I’m a human being attempting to make a residing similar to you” and “kindly” requested them to cease messaging her.
“Messages won’t be answered,” Jones stated. “I’ll block you for those who make me really feel uncomfortable and you may unfollow me if this disappoints you.”
Whereas what occurred to Jones is horrible and irritating, it’s sadly a standard incidence in online game communities and fandoms. Gamers have despatched harassing messages and threats to builders, voice actors, and others merely as a result of they don’t like a recreation or a personality. We’ve additionally seen Twitch streamers report stalkers from inside their group, in a transparent instance of followers forgetting the folks on-screen are people, too. Kotaku has contacted Insomniac, PlayStation, and Jones’ former expertise company for remark.
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