Marvel actor Simu Liu defends 'Heated Rivalry' star Hudson Williams amid resurfaced photo backlash

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Simu Liu knows when to step up and show his support. Rather than speaking through the press, the Marvel actor addressed the issue directly, voicing his support for Hudson Williams, after an unverified photo of the 'Heated Rivalry' star as a teenager began circulating online and sparked backlash. Liu weighed in on the controversy, writing, "I began to recognize patterns whenever people of color specifically had a moment of visibility."

Simu Liu defends 'Heated Rivalry' star Hudson Williams

As social media buzzed over an unverified photo of Williams from his teenage years, Simu Liu stepped forward to back the 'Heated Rivalry' star. The image, which some users claimed featured a swastika, quickly fueled debate online and prompted a wave of reactions.

Rather than staying silent, Liu addressed the controversy on Threads, reflecting on his own experiences with online scrutiny and what he sees as a troubling trend. "I have this very specific trauma attached to people on the internet fabricating things about me and twisting things into a massive hate campaign when I first broke out."

"I began to recognize patterns whenever people of colour specifically had a moment of visibility," he added. The 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' actor went on to warn followers about the dangers of online pile-ons, writing, "It happened like clockwork, and I see it happening now. The internet is insane. Bad actors are everywhere. If you're here, be careful. Be smart."

Liu also criticized the way some outlets handled the situation, calling on them to "stop picking on people of colour for absolutely nothing."

Inside the Hudson Williams controversy that prompted Simu Liu to step in

With fame often comes scrutiny, controversy, and sometimes even misinformation. That's exactly what Williams is currently facing after an unverified photo from his teenage years resurfaced online and sparked backlash across social media.

Although the actor has not publicly commented on the situation, a source close to the Canadian Screen Award winner told TMZ that Williams was unaware of the markings drawn on him when the photo was taken and that they do not reflect his beliefs or values.

According to the source, the image dates back to a "campout" tradition in Williams' hometown of Kamloops, Canada, where teens would gather in the woods and cover each other's skin and clothing with Sharpie drawings.

The photo shows several markings, including names written across his face, a cross on his forehead, and writing on his sweater. "The markings do not and have never reflected Hudson's beliefs, values, or character," the source said.