Fan interactions could be peculiar for some stars, however, for the Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo, it took a seriously unsettling turn. The 21-year-old actor, significantly known for playing the role of Dustin Henderson in the hit Netflix sci-fi horror drama, began his acting career at an early age.
Starting from Broadway, he later transitioned into on-screen roles with the 2015 TV series, The Blacklist. And the actor recently recalled an uncomfortable fan encounter involving a woman in her 40s, prompting widespread concern among the public.
Gaten Matarazzo Recalled an Unsettling Fan Encounter
In a recent appearance on the Inside of You podcast, Gaten Matarazzo discussed some of the uncomfortable fan interactions he has had in his career. However, one particular incident among all that stood out, is the time when he met a woman in her 40s, who claimed to have a crush on him since he was 13.
“I did one very recently — and this is not very funny, but the reactions around it were quite funny,” he said before adding, “Where this woman in her 40s said straight up, ‘I’ve had a crush on you since you were 13.'”
He said that initially, he did not take her remarks to be too hostile, believing that she was referring to him as a cute kid. However, she doubled down on her argument and started talking about their age difference, while her daughter and Matarazzo’s mother were right beside them.
And I was like, ‘That’s upsetting.’ I’m sure she just meant, ‘Aw, this kid’s cute.’ But then she doubled down — She was like, ‘I’m aware of the age difference.’ And then I was like, ‘Alright — And her daughter was with her, and her daughter goes, ‘Mom, what the f*ck?’ I swear to God.
Recalling the encounter, the Honor Society star said, “That was rough.” During his conversation with Micheal Rosenbaum, he also expressed gratitude for the opportunities that stemmed from the Netflix series. Matarazzo is currently busy with the production of the fifth and final season of the show, which has become one of the biggest hits on the streaming platform.
Fans React Strongly to Gaten Matarazzo’s Uneasy Fan Encounter
Gaten Matarazzo’s revelation about his unsettling fan encounter has sparked widespread concern and prompted a wave of reaction among people, who took to X (Twitter) to share their responses. While some expressed their disbelief and condemnation, many others labeled the encounter as disturbing and inappropriate.
Just as wrong and disgusting as a male fan saying the same thing to MBB. Both are equally creepy and predatory.
— HalloweenYear-Round 🎃 (@HalloweenYrRnd) May 29, 2024
That's super awkward 😬. I can't even imagine how uncomfortable that must have been for him, especially with her daughter right there.
— Nathalie May (@nathaliemayy) May 29, 2024
That's awful. He also said he's been groped. Ppl need to learn boundaries.
— Francois Arnaud's Jean Jacket (@flowerdrums) May 29, 2024
That was extremely disturbing to read.
— Lyndz (@lyndzz20) May 29, 2024
That’s uncomfortable
— SadikivsTheWorld (@Angelduster44) May 29, 2024
''Stranger things fan, 40, admits to being attracted to children in front of her children''
Fixed it.
— John || VoidRetro (@TheVoidRetro) May 29, 2024
— P£L£T! (@bearwalken1982) May 29, 2024
“Just as wrong and disgusting as a male fan saying the same thing to MBB. Both are equally creepy and predatory,” one X (Twitter) user said, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Some other fans also highlighted that people need to learn boundaries. “That was extremely disturbing to read,” another user said.
The revelation underscores the sensitivity surrounding celebrity-fan interactions and the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries. Matarazzo’s disturbing encounter serves as a reminder of the challenges celebrities often face in maintaining their public personas while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Stranger Things is available to stream on Netflix.
