Fantastic Four director Josh Trank broke his Internet silence to explain his social media shutdown after experiencing online harassment, which began following the May video on demand release of his latest film, Capone.
Trank reactivated his Twitter account to release a statement apologizing for "overreacting" and discussing past online harassment he has endured. "Just back for a second to apologize for overreacting to a few accounts that trolled me on IG," he wrote. "Over years of being railed on these platforms for my movies and opinions, I've responded impulsively, more than once. Online harassment can be a frustrating experience, especially in a cynical space where the majority of users are cloaked in anonymity. While you feel compelled to respond to personal comments in equal measure, the results are never on your side. Best to take it in stride, though it's not easy. I think I a LOT of people can relate to this."
Trank's apology is in regards to his controversial replies to online trolls, which included threatening physical violence. Before deactivating his account, Trank posted a screenshot of a fan interaction on Instagram with the caption, "Facts." This resulted in Trank eventually deactivating all of his social media accounts.
Trank is no stranger to online trolls, having previously experienced harassment for his Fantastic Four film after casting Michael B. Jordan in the traditionally white role of Johnny Storm/Human Torch. Since his apology, Trank has once again deactivated all social media accounts.
Directed by Josh Trank, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jeremy Slater and Simon Kinberg, Fantastic Four stars Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell, Toby Kebbell, Reg E. Cathey and Tim Blake Nelson.
(via ComicBook.com)