"Disgusting" - Internet reacts to seemingly insensitive comments after Aubrey Plaza loses her husband

The internet’s reaction to Aubrey Plaza’s personal tragedy has sparked widespread discussions about online behavior. Plaza, known for her roles in The White Lotus and Parks and Recreation, recently faced a significant loss with the passing of her husband, Jeff Baena. Social media has since been flooded with comments, many of which have been deemed insensitive and lacking empathy.

Baena’s death was confirmed earlier this week, with reports stating it was due to suicide. The 46-year-old filmmaker had been Plaza’s partner for over a decade, with the couple tying the knot in a private ceremony in 2021.

Following the announcement, social media users began sharing their condolences, but the tone quickly shifted as some comments took a cruel and dismissive turn.

A viral tweet by user @savAnacondaDont highlighted this trend, stating:

"Aubrey Plaza’s husband k*lled himself and men in the replies talking about some 'so she’s single now?' Zero empathy. And I’m supposed to give a f*ck about a male loneliness epidemic? Yeah okay."

The tweet response included screenshots of insensitive posts speculating about Plaza’s future relationships and her appearance at the Golden Globes, which she is expected to attend in light of her recent nomination for The White Lotus.

The backlash began after insensitive memes and comments started surfacing on platforms like X and Instagram. Several users joked about Plaza’s marital status and speculated on how the loss might influence her career.

A thread on X amassed thousands of likes and retweets, with users criticizing the lack of compassion in these remarks.

A viral tweet by @mask_b*st*rd, one of the original posts causing backlash, featured a gif of a character from The Simpsons happily walking toward the screen with the caption:

“Just found out Aubrey Plaza is single again!”

The tweet drew criticism for trivializing Plaza’s tragedy and sparked wider discussions about the lack of sensitivity in some social media reactions

Another reply from the same user added to the backlash, stating:

"So sorry for her loss (praying hands emoji)," accompanied by a gif of a man raising a champagne glass in a celebratory gesture.

The combination of the message and the GIF drew criticism for being both tone-deaf and dismissive of the gravity of the situation.

Plaza’s fans defended her. A tweet by @Hey_Mr_Wilson40 summarized the frustration with such reactions, stating:

“I understand we live in a celebrity obsessed world, but asking Aubrey Plaza if she's still going to attend the Golden Globes or saying 'she's single' is the most disgusting thing I've witnessed!”

The discourse raises concerns about how online communities process and react to public figures’ grief. Aubrey Plaza has not made a public statement, and many fans are urging for respect and privacy as she navigates this difficult time.

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Brady Corbet acknowledges Jeff Baena

82nd Golden Globe Awards Trophy Room - Source: Getty

Another significant moment came during the Golden Globe Awards ceremony. Director Brady Corbet, while accepting the award for Best Movie Director for The Brutalist, acknowledged Jeff Baena during his speech. Corbet noted Plaza’s absence from the event, as she was scheduled to present an award but did not attend due to her husband’s passing.

Corbet expressed gratitude to the Golden Globes and highlighted the contributions of the many people who worked on The Brutalist, including crew members, collaborators, and family.

The tweet by @PopBuzzRecap summarized this, stating:

“Brady Corbet acknowledged Aubrey Plaza's late husband, Jeff Baena, during his acceptance speech for the Golden Globe Award for Best Movie Director at the ceremony.”

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Aubrey Plaza and Jeff Baena’s legacy and public support

Baena, a celebrated filmmaker known for works like Life After Beth and The Little Hours, collaborated with Plaza on multiple projects. His sudden passing has left a mark on the entertainment community, with colleagues and fans paying tribute to his work and their partnership.

Statements from industry figures have focused on his contributions to film and his close bond with Plaza.

Despite the negativity, some social media users have rallied to support Plaza. Hashtags like #RespectAubrey have trended, urging people to consider the impact of their words on someone facing profound loss. One fan wrote:

“the comments on aubrey plaza’s insta about her husband’s death is just disgusting.. how can people be so cruel?"

As Aubrey Plaza prepares for public appearances, including the upcoming Golden Globes, the internet’s reaction serves as a stark reminder of the balance between public interest and personal boundaries. The actress’ fans continue to call for respect, echoing sentiments shared in the wake of other high-profile losses.