Part 5/12:
This led to her infamous categorization of YouTube critics, where she claimed that “fascists and racists” belonged to a wide spectrum of the reactionary audience. Although she clarified that not all critics fit this description, her framing appeared to cast broad blame on certain segments of fandom, attempting to dismiss the criticism as rooted in toxicity, bigotry, or opportunism rather than legitimate creative dissatisfaction.
The statement has sparked widespread backlash. Critics argue that Hedland’s narrative seeks to diminish valid critique by labeling much of the criticism as extremist or racially motivated, a common deflection in Hollywood’s current discourse—especially following high-profile failures tied to diversity initiatives and progressive storytelling.