'Heated Rivalry' fans bombard Kevin Zegers' social media with 'Free Palestine' following casting
“Fans of the hit series. Heated Rivalryhave flooded the comment sections of actor Kevin Zegers' social media posts with calls to "Free Palestine", following widespread backlash over his casting in the up…”
The online protest comes as viewers express outrage over the actor’s past social media activity and support for Zionist views, which many argue stand in direct conflict with the show's core themes of inclusivity, marginalised identity, and LGBTQ+ acceptance. The influx of comments on Zegers' personal profile has escalated dramatically.
Underneath a birthday post Zegers made for his daughter, one user commented, "FREE PALESTINE!!!!!! And happy birthday to all the Palestinian children who were unalived and no longer get to celebrate their birthday because of the terroristic actions of Isr@el.
"Another user added on the same post, "Hoping that every Palestinian person also gets to celebrate their birthday. " Other posts have seen comments such as, "From the river to the sea Palestine will be free", alongside hashtags like "#notmycoachwiebe" and several hundred simple messages repeating "Free Palestine".
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The intense comment campaign follows a growing online petition on Change.org calling on Crave Canada, creator Jacob Tierney, and the production team to remove Zegers from the show and recast his role as Coach Wiebe.
The petition argues that Zegers' online activity, which includes Islamophobic rhetoric and indirect support for Israel's military actions in Gaza, makes him unsuitable to join a series celebrated for its positive representation of vulnerable communities.
The petition has quickly gathered thousands of verified signatures from fans who argue that a series centered around queer love and overcoming discrimination should not employ actors with publicly expressed views perceived as incompatible with those values. Set to adapt material from Rachel Reid’s popular novels.
The Long Gameand. Role Model, the second season of. Heated Rivalrywill see returning stars Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie reprise their roles as Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.
Despite the rising protest and demands for recasting, production authorities have made no official announcement regarding Zegers' status, and he remains attached to play Coach Wiebe in season two as the fan campaign continues to gather momentum online.
Written by Sheheryar Munawar
Aman-e-Pakistan Senior Journalist & Bureau Reporter
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