Shortland Street star Bree Peters has been at the centre of one of the show’s most riveting storylines this season, playing the villainous Pania Stevens. She’s the character fans love to hate, but sadly, the drama has spilled over into Bree’s off-screen life as well with the actress falling victim to online bullies.
Bree has faced hateful comments about everything from her weight and appearance to her controversial character, and she’s even been spat on while out in public. The reaction was so volatile the actress was forced to close some of her social media accounts.
On Breakfast recently, Bree (flanked by co-star Kerry-Lee Dewing) opened up about the difficult experience, revealing that she wasn’t used to dealing with the “passionate” comments and describing how much it hurt seeing them.
Luckily, the star has also experienced growing support online after fans came to her defence against the hateful comments.
X Factor NZ judge and performer Stan Walker has been one of Bree’s most vocal supporters, taking to Instagram yesterday to write a post pleading for the “keyboard warriors” to stop.
“To hear that people have been attacking her in real life online & in the streets because of her role as ‘Pania’ is just pathetic,” he wrote.
“Its [sic] really sad seeing & hearing that people have been doing this (bullying).”
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Bree in character as Pania on the show.
