Fame unfortunately comes with your privacy being taken away. People think that because you are known, your entire life is open for consumption.
It’s not.
I respect celebrities that are able keep their lives private and draw the line for what is open for people to talk about and what isn’t. I think that it’s strength to draw the line, and not let people tell you how you can or can’t live your life.
For the cast of Normal People, they became everyone’s obsession because we were and are all entranced with the show. For Paul Mescal it meant that he had to adjust and he opened up and talked about the toxic side of fame.
“I just find the whole thing a little bit toxic,” he said of the paparazzi when talking to GQ. There have been a lot of rumors about his love life, and the actor did not expand upon that comment. He did say that he was upset by rumors that he was dating a musician after having breakfast with her.
He’s right. It is toxic.
But the actor continued by talking about the objectification of his character.
“Honest answer? Yes. It’s not something that I try to lean into. But I put it down to the audience’s associations with Connell rather than with me,” he said.
“The fandom on the show has been amazing, and seeing people have articulate discussions about character is so satisfying,” he did add.
I hope that his fan encounters have been positive. Are you a fan of Paul’s?