Hilary Duff Explains Controversial Photo of Son, Tells Trolls ‘Get a Hobby’
Some former Disney stars are known for brewing controversy. From Miley Cyrus twerking on stage to Britney Spears appearing nude in a music video, some former Disney actresses seem eager to provoke. Hilary Duff, the leading lady of the Disney Channel show Lizzie McGuire, was not known for shocking people.
However, things have changed. Duff posted a photo of her son, Luca Cruz, wearing nothing. Many fans were outraged. Some accused Duff of partaking in child sex trafficking. Duff responded to these allegations – and she’s not happy.
A conspiracy theory spawned from an Instagram photo
Duff is going to star in an upcoming revival of Lizzie McGuire. This news has brought renewed attention to her, her work, and her online presence. According to Blake Montgomery of The Daily Beast, when Duff posted a certain photo of her son on Instagram, all hell broke loose.
A Twitter user noted the nude photo of Luca with lotion on his body. The user claimed the picture was evidence Duff was involved in child sex trafficking. In addition, the user asserted this claim without any evidence. Montgomery says this accusation is part of a larger trend of conspiracy theories that prominent people are molesting children.
Some fans supported the conspiracy theory. Others felt it was ridiculous to assume Duff was committing some sort of crime and defended her. Still others had a mixed reaction to the image. This third group of fans condemned Duff for taking a nude picture of her son while noting there was no evidence she had done anything illegal.
Hilary Duff responds to the controversy
Duff initially responded to the controversy without attacking her critic. E! Online reports Duff said “Someone pointed out on Instagram that I did a nude of him, which I did so we covered that up with [a] sticker.” Since then, the video has been deleted without any explanation as to why.
Duff then took a step back from the fray for a little bit. Then, she discussed the controversy again and insulted the people who created it. “Everyone {is] bored…right now I know..but this is actually disgusting…whoever dreamed this one up and put this garbage into the universe should take a break from their damn phone. Maybe get a hobby.”
In addition, Duff’s representative released a statement on the issue. “Let me say this in the strongest terms, this is all a fabricated disgusting internet lie, created and perpetuated by trolls and idiots. Hilary’s own post this morning is all that needs to be said on the matter. Everyone who knows Hilary is fully aware what an amazing mom she is and that requires no further comment.” Duff and her representative certainly have no compunctions with fighting against internet rumors.
How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
Also see: Hilary Duff Accused of Child Sex Trafficking After Sharing a Controversial Post About Her Son
