Laura Bailey From The Last Of Us Part II Says Fans Threatened Her Son
February 3, 2024The launch of The Last of Us Part II was not only a significant occurrence in the gaming industry, but also a challenging period for its creative team, particularly Laura Bailey, the actress portraying Abby. In a recent documentary, Bailey candidly discussed the intense online harassment she endured throughout the game’s release, disclosing that certain dissatisfied fans even went to the extent of threatening her two-year-old son.
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The Backlash [Spoiler]
The controversial moment in the game, where Abby kills the beloved character Joel, sparked a strong negative response from a portion of fans who interpreted it as a letdown from Naughty Dog, the developer. This backlash, fueled by dissatisfaction and anger, went beyond the game and directed hostility towards the real-life actors, with Laura Bailey being the primary target of harsh criticism.
In the documentary Grounded II: The Making of The Last of Us Part II, Bailey emotionally recounted receiving death threats during the game’s launch. These threats were not only directed at her but also at her son, who was born during the development of the game. The shocking revelation sheds light on the dark side of fan culture, demonstrating how online discontent can escalate to alarming levels.
Laura Bailey talks about how people threaten her new born son when The Last of us part 2 launched.
— Pyo 5️⃣ (@mrpyo1) February 2, 2024
Man this breaks my heart 😞 pic.twitter.com/R5zfShzlhF
The Toll on Laura Bailey and the Industry
Public figures in the video game industry, especially women, have increasingly become targets of online harassment. Bailey’s experience is sadly not isolated, as we’ve seen other instances like Spider-Man 2 face model Stephanie Tyler Jones speaking out against stalking and feeling unsafe due to online harassment. Bailey’s decision to share some of the abusive messages, including those targeting her son and parents, highlights the disturbingly common occurrence of harassment in the video game industry. The industry must confront and address this issue to ensure a safer and more inclusive environment for all its contributors.
The consequences of such harassment give rise to worries about the welfare of actors associated with popular gaming franchises. The anxiety of facing consequences and the emotional impact experienced by individuals like Bailey may discourage potential talents from interacting with fans or pursuing roles in prominent games. This pattern not only harms the actors themselves but also hinders the industry’s capacity to attract a diverse and skilled workforce.
Looking Ahead: The HBO Max Adaptation
With the growing interest in a live-action version of The Last of Us and the casting of Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Bailey’s past experience raises concerns about what the future may hold. It is unclear how the community will respond to Dever’s portrayal, but looking at what happened with Bailey’s situation, it is wise to approach this with caution. The idea that Dever might have to take a break from social media to prevent possible harassment was originally seen as a joke, but now it is being considered more seriously due to Bailey’s situation. This brings up concerns about the gaming community and platforms’ responsibility in promoting a more positive online atmosphere.
The Industry’s Reflection
The launch of Grounded II: The Making of The Last of Us Part II not only offers a glimpse into the game’s development but also indirectly highlights the necessity for change in the gaming community. As Naughty Dog considers the possibility of a third game, it becomes essential for the entire industry to consider and address the toxicity that can emerge, taking proactive steps to prevent it.
The acceptance of online harassment in relation to engaging with creative works should be firmly rejected. It is not solely the responsibility of individual participants, but also of the entire gaming community to tackle this problem. As fans eagerly await the possible release of The Last of Us Part III, it presents a chance for the industry to cultivate a more positive and considerate atmosphere for all those involved.
Laura Bailey’s revelation sheds light on the darker side of fan interactions in the gaming world. It is a call for the industry and its enthusiasts to introspect and work collectively towards creating an environment that celebrates creativity without compromising the well-being of those who bring these virtual worlds to life.
