Sam Heughan, one of the lead actors in the Starz period drama "Outlander," was recently under digital fire from his American fans due to a political post from his personal Twitter account. Heughan plays Jamie Fraser, a Scottish soldier who is entangled with the time-traveler Claire Randall. The show will soon to premier its fourth season.
In the concerned social media post, Heughan retweeted a link to an article posted by "The Scotsman," a Scottish newspaper and daily news website. The tweet itself featured an image of the "Trump Baby Blimp" that U.K. protestors had let fly during the American president's visit to the old colonial country.
Heughan's American fans reacted negatively to the actor's retweeting of the London protest against the American president. Certain fans expressed disappointment, stating that Heughan was spreading hate by retweeting the news article.
Sam ,I am disappointed that you retweeted this. No matter your opinion of the man , you should respect the office. Since you are usually so kind to others I find it strange that you would promote hatred like this.
— Donna Williams (@tchurade1224) July 13, 2018
Others have expressed the concern that Heughan was attacking their president by tweeting about the protests.
That moment when you begin to lose respect of an actor because they don’t realize not everyone hates their president and is taking joy in a protest of him.
— Jodi Chapman (@Angelone7141) July 13, 2018
A certain number have also judged Heughan's character as disrespectful and unkind due to the retweet.
Thank you Melissa for calling this for what it is. Unfortunately I agree. He has adopted the Hollywood mentality rather than think for himself and be respectful. So disappointed. I really thought he wouldn’t change but appears he’s only kind when it suits his purpose
— Pam Bedenbaugh (@AmmaPam) July 13, 2018
Just went through this with Sam over some provoking 4th of July message.The anti American hateful argument that resulted was not fun. Now this. Stopped following him as a result. ????☹
— T J (@TJ_EE) July 14, 2018
There are also those who have expressed their disappointment at Heughan for being political on his personal Twitter account.
Disrespectful. Disappointing. People watch your show to relax and get away from things like this. Sad that you injected politics. It amazes me how people who want fans to watch a show, read a book, listen to an album--whatever--will deliberately alienate some of those same fans.
— Vicki Wagner (@mamawagsx2) July 13, 2018
Emma, I think you’ve nailed it! It’s not that I don’t want @SamHeughan to have an opinion on politics, but it is a distraction from his acting. Instead of discussing his movie @SpyWhoDumpedMe coming out in a couple of weeks, we’re arguing on Twitter. ????♀️ #loveandrespect
— Sharon Shadrick (@skshadrick) July 17, 2018
There are even others who say Sam Heughan's opinion is invalid due to the actor's Scottish nationality.
I didn’t realize London had a say in the American government..:oh wait. They don’t.
— Lori (@gooch_lori) July 13, 2018
Heughan has replied to his disappointed fans by emphasizing that part of his job means he needs to be able to effectively emphatize, which in turn means that he needs to have an opinion. He ends his tweet with the hashtag “LoveAndRespect.”
My job is portray every aspect of the human condition. To understand each character. To be able to EMPATHISE means I have to understand and therefore have an opinion. You want “entertainment”, I suggest you stop watching drama. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. #loveAndRespect
— Sam Heughan (@SamHeughan) July 16, 2018
While Heughan has defended his right to post his public opinion via his own personal Twitter account, this did not seem to allay any of the disappointment that was thrown at his social media account.
On the other end of the social media spectrum, some of Heughan's fans have also come out to support the actor's right to post about his political opinions on his personal Twitter account.
My eyes hurt from all the eye rolling I’ve been doing over these comments. Really?! The dude is allowed to post/tweet/like whatever he wants. Do you think he gives a fuck what people think?! Hes disliked Trump since the beginning, there is no bandwagon here.
— Shelley Saunders ???????? (@IamShelleys) July 15, 2018
@SamHeughan So sorry that some folks seem to have forgotten that you are a living breathing educated thinking human being and not just fodder for their fantasies. Of COURSE you have every right to have and express an opinion. #LoveAndRespect #BeKind #StopBullying
— Karen Henry (@akailiajade) July 16, 2018
Some defended the rights of protestors against Trump in the U.K.
But they do have the right to show that they don't want a liar, racist, sexist, and absolute fool visiting. Freedom of speech. Oh wait...just like me. #NotMyPresident
— Tammie Scott (@TammieScott8) July 13, 2018
I'm disappointed in the people saying they're disappointed! It's a peaceful protest and a true testimony of how we and our top office are perceived around the world! Everyone is entitled to an opinion! Respect should be earned not blindly given
— AmyGS (@A_samslass) July 13, 2018
Haha gotta love all the péople saying how dare you be political. I watch Outlander to escape politics etc. News Flash Outlander IS politics????????????????
— Katrina (@Kattitude3) July 14, 2018
While Others sent messages of assurance to the Scottish celebrity.
Thank you, Sam, for speaking out against this regime. You have every right to protest injustice! Ignore those who say otherwise
— Kristen????Moon (@justKristenMoon) July 13, 2018
Even beyond the whole ruckus that the retweet may have incited, Sam Heughan thanked his fans for interacting with him.
Sam Heughan is sure to return in "Outlander" Season 4, which is slated to air in the fall of 2018.
