‘General Hospital’ Responds To Trolls Attacking Star Tabyana Ali Online: “Racism Has No Place In Port Charles”
UPDATED: General Hospital has released a statement after one of its stars, Tabyana Ali, addressed the shocking amount of racism she has endured on social media.
“General Hospital does not tolerate hatred or bigotry of any kind,” according to the GH statement posted on Instagram. “Racism has no place in Port Charles.”
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PREVIOUS: Online hate toward actors — especially those in genre projects — is, sadly, nothing new in Hollywood. But a recent spate of attacks on General Hospital actress Tabyana Ali has demonstrated that even daytime soap stars are not immune from such trolling.
Racist comments about Ali on social media prompted the actress to speak out on X about “anyone that hates me.”
“That’s absolutely fine,” she continued. “I don’t know you and you don’t me but regardless I’m sending you peace, safety, and prosperity… I also pray you touch some grass, see the sun, eat a delicious meal, and find something to do.”
Ali, who has played Trina Robinson on the ABC sudser since 2022, ended up posting multiple comments about the trolling she has endured.
To anyone that hates me. That's absolutely fine. I don't know you and you don't me but regardless I'm sending you peace, safety, and prosperity… I also pray you touch some grass, see the sun, eat a delicious meal, and find something to do.
Peace and love💕— Tabyana Ali🌺🌙 (@iamaliford) June 10, 2024
And Im sorry that this is the away you feel like you have to be seen. I'm sorry that life isn't happening how you want. But if you found something you loved to do other than hurting people. You would never have the energy to say what you've been saying to people ONLINE! 2/4
— Tabyana Ali🌺🌙 (@iamaliford) June 10, 2024
2/4But we got to find another way to fight. I've realized ignoring doesn't help but neither does giving the energy back. We're going in circles and that doesn't get us anywhere. Everybody might not agree with me but thats okay. I just want to let "those" people know, I see you.
— Tabyana Ali🌺🌙 (@iamaliford) June 10, 2024
Deadline understands that ABC is engaging with Ali and her team on how to navigate the situation. There has been no official statement from the network or the soap, which was just named Outstanding Daytime Drama at Friday’s Daytime Emmys.
In the meantime, several of Ali’s co-stars have come to her defense. Maura West, who plays Ava on GH, wrote on X that “I love you, Tabyana. I admire your strength and loving, open heart. You are a shining example of the best of humanity.”
Lydia Look (Selina Wu) said, “Love! You go sis. Show them what you’re made of. Pure Love, that’s what.”
Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis Davis) addressed the haters directly: “You hide behind a profile pix & spew hatred & racism at Tabyana, you spew it at every cast member of General Hospital & we condemn & reject it. We stand by our friend & colleague in her dignified & gracious response. There’s no place 4 racism of any kind in r beloved GH community.”
Even Michele Van Jean, who is penning CBS’ new soap The Gates, wrote “My question here is – why would anyone hate you?”
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