‘Heated Rivalry’ Stars Hudson Williams and François Arnaud Speak Out Against Online Hate

The stars of Heated Rivalry are pushing back against the darker side of the show’s rapidly growing fandom, using social media to call for respect and draw a clear line against abusive behavior.

Hudson Williams and François Arnaud shared the same message on their Instagram Stories, signaling a united response to the hostility that has surfaced in some corners of the fan community. Their post made it clear that the cast no longer wants to stay silent about harmful behavior disguised as support.

The graphic read, “Don’t call yourself a fan if you share racist/ homophobic/biphobic/misogynistic/ageist/ ableist/parasocial/bigoted comments of any kind. None of us need your hateful ‘love.”

Robbie Graham-Kuntz, known professionally as Robbie G.K. and recognized by viewers for playing Kip Grady on the series, later posted the same message. The statement ended with an even firmer response to those fueling negativity online: “We all respect and support and love each other and are on the same side if you can’t accept that gtfoh.”

None of the actors initially explained whether one specific comment, fan exchange, or incident had triggered the coordinated posts. Still, the message suggested that cast members had reached a point where the constant toxicity had become too much to ignore.

Williams later shed some light on the post while replying to a fan on Threads who questioned why he had shared it. He wrote, “It was Francois’ idea and I helped write it! I don’t scroll comments, so I didn’t see the hate. I was vibing watching figure skating highlights.”

The series has attracted intense attention since premiering in November and has quickly become a major talking point online. As the fandom expanded, so did the scrutiny surrounding the actors and their interactions, both online and in public.

Williams and co-star Connor Storrie had previously compared the level of fan attention they were receiving to the frenzy surrounding major music acts, saying it felt like “when you see the Beatles, when you see BTS.” That level of passion has helped make the show a cultural breakout, but it has also created challenges for the cast and even for fan-page moderators trying to keep discussions under control.

Arnaud, who plays hockey star Scott Hunter, had already faced visible tension within the fandom earlier this year. In January, reports circulated that he had unfollowed cast members and series creator Jacob Tierney amid escalating online hate against him.

View on Threads

He later re-followed them and posted a playful edited image of himself and Williams flipping the bird. Even then, Arnaud tried to approach the issue with some understanding. Speaking to the Toronto Star, he said, “In general, fans have been incredibly positive and respectful.

For the ones that aren’t, I think it’s a lot of younger fans who don’t really understand the difference between reality and fiction. I honestly wish they would just rewatch the show, because it doesn’t seem like they got its message. Pay attention more closely. Did we watch the same show?”

Since it’s Women's Day I want to say the women you see at industry events are there bcuz they are just as deserving of being in those rooms! The assumption that we are there because our male costars invited us takes away the work we also put in. Celebrate women’s achievements!💗
— Ksenia Daniela (@K_DanielaK) March 8, 2026