I am disgusted, this needs to stop
Let me say this loud and clear: you failed Brody Grant. I don’t care if you call yourself a fan or not—some of you have crossed every line of decency and respect when it comes to how you’ve treated him. He’s been playing Ponyboy in The Outsiders for over two years, dedicating himself to bringing this role to life night after night. Yet, instead of celebrating his talent and hard work, people have mocked him, overwhelmed him, and acted like his boundaries don’t matter.
What makes this even harder to stomach is something I learned while listening to a guest podcast episode Brody did. He opened up about his struggles with mental health, even admitting that he’s battled suicidal ideations in the past. Hearing him talk about that was heartbreaking—it made it clear just how much he’s been carrying while continuing to give his all as a performer.
Let’s start with the entitlement. Brody didn’t show up at the stage door? So what? He’s not obligated to meet you after a show. Yet some of you acted like this was some kind of betrayal, chasing him down the tunnels and making his private moments public. Do you realize how invasive and selfish that is? This man has given you everything during his performances, yet you’ve made it clear that even his personal time and mental health aren’t off-limits to your demands. News Flash: actors don’t owe you anything more than you payed for-and when you bought your ticket there was nothing say thing you were going to get an audience with him.
And then there are the TikToks and cruel comments. Mocking his singing, his acting, his choices. What exactly did you think you were accomplishing with that? Did you think it was funny? Did you think he wouldn’t see or hear about it?
This is someone who has been honest about struggling with suicidal thoughts—and while he might not be in that place anymore, the damage your words can do doesn’t just disappear. Recovery doesn’t mean he’s invincible. Your petty jokes and mocking TikToks could still hurt him deeply, whether you realize it or not.
The most frustrating part of this is how selfish it all is. You’ve put your own fleeting desires and opinions above someone else’s mental health and humanity. Did you stop for one FUCKING second to consider how your actions might affect him? Did it ever cross your mind that your cruelty could push someone back into a dark place?
Because that’s the reality. Words and actions have consequences. Just because Brody was brave enough to talk about his struggles on a podcast doesn’t mean he should have to deal with the fallout of your selfishness.
He has given you over two years of his life, playing a role that demands everything from him emotionally and physically. He’s done all of this while dealing with challenges most of us can’t imagine. And this is how you repay him? By mocking him, overwhelming him, and acting like his boundaries don’t matter?
It’s disgusting. It’s selfish. And it needs to stop.
If you’ve ever called yourself a fan, it’s time to prove it. Support him. Respect his boundaries. And think about how your words and actions could affect someone who’s already been through so much. Brody has been brave enough to share his struggles—now it’s your turn to be better. Don’t let your entitlement be the reason someone else suffers. Do fucking better.
