Stranger Things' Finn Wolfhard responds to model's controversial comments about him

Since finding fame in Netflix original drama Stranger Things last year, the young cast of the show have faced huge levels of attention from both the media and fans of the programme.

In fact, in recent weeks the attention has become so bad that other child stars have spoken out in defence of the cast – with Matilda’s Mara Wilson and Game Of Throne’s Sophie Turner hitting out at the “sexualisation” of 16-year-old Caleb McLaughlin, 15-year-old Gaten Matarazzo, 14-year-old Finn Wolfhard, 13-year-old Millie Bobby-Brown and 13-year-old Noah Schnapp.

Last month, 27-year-old model Ali Michael came under fire after she tagged Finn, 14, in her Instagram story, writing: “Not to be weird but hit me up in 4 years @finnwolfhardofficial”.

The remark was immediately hit with backlash, with many critics branding Ali “disgusting” – especially given the ongoing sexual abuse scandal in Hollywood.

Stranger Things’ fans also pointed out that if a 27-year-old man had made the comments about a 14-year-old girl then it would have been considered more controversial, with Ali eventually deleting the post and apologising in a lengthy statement.

She wrote: “It was never my intention (nor has it ever been) to sexualise a minor in any way shape or form.

“To those I offended or misled, I apologise for a post made in haste and lacking in sensitivity, particularly considering the landscape of the present culture.”

Now Finn himself has responded to the “gross” comment, telling TMZ when asked about it: “Oh that was nuts.

“That was gross… That’s good that she apologised.

“It’s weird but… It’s fine.”

Finn initially found fame in the TV show but has seen his celebrity status catapult after starring as Richie Tozier in this year’s remake of Stephen King’s ‘It’.

He also hit the headlines when he immediately fired his agent, Tyler Grasham, over allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate behaviour towards aspiring young male actors.

Earlier this week, Sophie Turner – who landed the role of Sansa Stark in hit HBO fantasy drama Game of Thrones when she was just 15 – took to Twitter to urge people to allow the Stranger Things’ cast to be children before they are celebrities.

She wrote: “It doesn’t matter if they are an actor… they are kids first, give them the space they need in order to grow without feeling like they owe anything for living their childhood dreams.”

Former child star Mara Wilson also took to social media to hit out at the treatment of the cast – specifically 13-year-old Millie Bobby-Brown.

In a series of poignant tweets, Mara claimed that throughout her childhood she was more at risk from “grown-up male ‘fans'” than Hollywood insiders, calling out Stranger Things’ fans who have been commenting on Millie’s sophisticated appearance.

Mara also explained that she tries to cut back on how much she comments on her glittering career online, but was unable to control her anger when she saw how the Stranger Things’ cast are being treated.

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