Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old nonbinary actor known for their powerful performances in Game of Thrones and The Last of Us, has taken a bold stand against online harassment and defamation. In a recent statement, Ramsey declared their intent to pursue legal action against any organization or individual who intentionally uses their image to mock or disparage their gender identity. Citing defamation law, Ramsey’s announcement signals a shift from enduring relentless online abuse to actively confronting those who perpetuate it, highlighting the growing intersection of celebrity culture, gender identity, and legal accountability in the digital age.
Ramsey, who publicly came out as nonbinary in 2023, has faced significant online vitriol, particularly following their role as Ellie in HBO’s The Last of Us. The criticism has often centered not on their acting—widely praised with Emmy and Golden Globe nominations—but on their appearance and gender identity. Social media platforms like X, Reddit, and Instagram have been flooded with hateful comments, some grotesquely altering Ramsey’s image or comparing them unfavorably to the video game character they portray. These attacks, often laced with misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia, have taken a toll. In a candid interview with The New York Times, Ramsey admitted to struggling with the negativity, describing how they once obsessively scrolled through comments, only to realize it was harming their mental health. This led them to deactivate their social media accounts, a decision echoed by other actors like Laura Bailey, who faced similar harassment for her role in the same franchise.
The actor’s decision to invoke defamation law marks a significant escalation in addressing this abuse. Defamation, which includes libel (written) and slander (spoken), occurs when false statements harm someone’s reputation. In the United States, where Ramsey’s case would likely be filed given their prominence in Hollywood, defamation law requires proving that the statement was false, made with reckless disregard for the truth, and caused harm. Ramsey’s statement suggests they are targeting those who deliberately misuse their image—such as in manipulated photos or memes—to mock their nonbinary identity. This could include media outlets, influencers, or even anonymous trolls, though identifying the latter poses challenges. The landmark case New York Times v. Sullivan (1964) sets a high bar for public figures like Ramsey, requiring proof of “actual malice,” but their legal team could argue that intentional misrepresentation of their gender identity crosses this threshold.
Ramsey’s move is not just personal but reflective of broader cultural tensions. Their gender identity, which they’ve described as fluid and not strictly tied to pronouns, has made them a lightning rod for criticism from certain online communities, particularly those aligned with anti-trans or “manosphere” ideologies. In 2023, Ramsey left Twitter (now X) after the platform relaxed its policies against anti-LGBTQ+ harassment, citing the toll of constant attacks. Their recent comments on The Louis Theroux Podcast reveal a nuanced perspective: while they regret the media frenzy surrounding their nonbinary announcement, they value the representation it offers others. This duality—personal vulnerability and public advocacy—underscores their resolve to fight back legally.
The entertainment industry has rallied behind Ramsey. Co-star Pedro Pascal and Yellowjackets actor Melanie Lynskey have publicly supported them, while fans on platforms like TikTok have praised their courage in addressing online hate. Mental health advocates, such as psychologist Dr. Marissa Greene, have highlighted the broader issue of toxic beauty standards and the marginalization of non-traditional identities in Hollywood. Ramsey’s case could set a precedent, encouraging other young stars to use legal tools to combat harassment. In the UK, where Ramsey is based, a 2025 Supreme Court ruling defining “woman” by biological sex has complicated trans and nonbinary rights, potentially strengthening Ramsey’s resolve to challenge misrepresentation globally.
Ramsey’s statement is also a call for change in how society engages with public figures. “I believe I deserve to be seen—not because of what I look like, but because of who I am,” they said in a recent interview. By leveraging defamation law, Ramsey is not only protecting their own dignity but also advocating for a digital landscape where identity-based attacks are no longer tolerated. As they prepare for their next role in Monstrous Beauty, a period drama tackling themes of appearance and acceptance, Ramsey’s real-life fight mirrors their onscreen resilience. Their legal threat sends a clear message: the era of unchecked online cruelty may be nearing its end.
