Hudson Williams and Francois Arnaud posted a joint statement on Instagram stories condemning fans who share bigoted comments. The statement said not to call yourself a fan if you share racist, homophobic, biphobic, misogynistic, ageist, ableist, parasocial, or bigoted comments of any kind. It added that none of them need hateful love, as they all respect and support each other, telling those who cannot accept that to get out.
The specific racist, homophobic, or misogynistic comments that prompted the actors' statement have not been disclosed, and the extent of the toxic behavior within the Heated Rivalry fandom remains unclear. Additional cast members have voiced support for the message. According to multiple reports, Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova added to the main statement, writing not to make a show that's about love be hateful online.
Pls don't make a show that's about love be hateful online.
In a separate interaction, Hudson Williams replied to a Threads post saying the joint statement was Francois Arnaud's idea and that he helped write it. Showrunner Jacob Tierney has previously denounced toxic parts of the Heated Rivalry fandom. According to The Independent, Jacob Tierney described learning a lot since the show aired and having much to consider moving forward regarding the fandom and all that comes with it, both negative and positive.
He also emphasized the importance of diversity, stating that having a non-white lead is significant. What measures, if any, the show's producers are taking to address fan toxicity is not known. Heated Rivalry season 2 is expected to return in April 2027.
It was Francois' idea and I helped write it! I don't scroll comments so I did not see the hate. I was vibing watching figure skating highlights.
Multiple reports indicate that filming for season 2 will start in August. Hudson Williams faced backlash in February for sharing a tribute to his long-term girlfriend on Instagram, though the nature of that backlash has not been detailed. It is unknown whether any legal actions are being considered against fans making abusive comments.