The production team for the Amazon series 'Off Campus' has called on fans to stop harassing cast members and their families. The statement follows intense online backlash after a recent breakup involving lead actress Mika Abdalla.
In a social media post, the show's official account reminded followers to separate fictional characters from real individuals. It emphasized respect for the cast and their loved ones, warning that accounts engaging in targeted harassment would be blocked.
The message comes after Abdalla's split from her former fiancé Jake Short. An old podcast clip resurfaced in which Short used a derogatory term toward Abdalla in a joking manner. The former couple issued a joint statement clarifying that the moment was taken out of context and did not reflect their five-year relationship, which they described as loving and respectful.
Sources close to the situation indicated that the negativity has involved petty attacks and racially charged comments rather than threats of violence. Partners of several cast members have faced the most criticism. Cast members reportedly asked Amazon to increase monitoring of the show's social media accounts to reduce abuse. Amazon has not yet responded to requests for comment.