Copied from @swatkat​ on Twitter, with addendum, because it’s a message that should be shared.
I've always admired the outlaw queen fandom for their positive outlook on things and relative wank-free atmosphere. Sometimes, however, 'positivity' can become a menace - especially when it comes to taking stands on disturbing things. It's easy to say 'oh those troublemakers from swen are hating on us.' But it's not about us, or you. Or fandom at all.
These 'rumours' are not new. They have existed since the time Chris Lewis became 'fandom famous'. It was hushed up then. These 'rumours' have existed in the con circuit. We didn't talk about it. Yelling at 'man-hating lesbians' who are 'attacking male cast members' and making them 'unsafe' won't make them go away. Ask your friends in the con circuit, ask your sources from the sets. Try and understand the gravity of it.
Threatening 'defamation' means nothing - I'm well aware of libel laws and their use. This is not irresponsible gossiping. This is a fandom with many, many young women, some of whom will go to more cons. Protect them. Protect your own. Stanning is fun, but sometimes we have to look beyond it and understand what is at stake. Or you can blame it on man-hating lesbians some more. But they're not the ones seeking out these gentlemen in cons. You don't have to believe us. But ask your fandom.
This is honestly just a plea from someone who left your fandom a while ago but who’s still a part of OUAT fandom at large. I don’t care what you believe- if you can or can’t confirm it or if the BNFs in the know continue to remain silent on this. It makes no difference to me if you still stan the man or if you think this is all invented or because of a blind item that was dropped only after the story started to spread. Please, enjoy what you enjoy, do what you do.
But be careful, especially if you’re a minor. When you go to cons, look after each other. Create an atmosphere where people who are uncomfortable don’t have to be afraid to speak out. Rumors don’t exist in a vacuum- note that there are plenty of people out there who hate other ships from OUAT and yet Colin or MRJ or even Bobby don’t have these kinds of stories about them. And I know it’s hard to swallow when there’s no evidence here that is being released, but you don’t have to believe it to be cautious around him and those he surrounds himself with. You don’t have to choose a side in this to do that– and tbh, this applies to all actor encounters, because Sean is only the first major actor to have something like this get out, not the first period.
Make for yourselves a fandom where your friends’ safety comes first.
