Simu Liu has shown support for Hudson WIlliams and criticised BuzzFeed over its coverage of the rising actor after a resurfaced photograph of him sparked widespread debate online.

Williams, who recently gained prominence through HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry, has faced renewed scrutiny after an image circulated online appearing to show him as a teenager with a swastika drawn on his forehead.

The photograph prompted intense discussion across social media, with users divided over its context, significance and whether it should affect public perceptions of the actor.

Responding to the controversy on Threads, Liu suggested the backlash reflected a broader pattern he has observed involving public figures from minority backgrounds.

“Soo I have this very specific trauma attached to people on the internet fabricating things about me and twisting things into a massive hate campaign when I first broke out. I began to recognize patterns whenever people of colour specifically had a moment of visibility. It happened like clockwork and I see it happening now. The internet is insane. Bad actors are everywhere. If you’re here, be careful. Be smart.”

In a separate post, Liu sharply criticised BuzzFeed’s reporting.

“for an organization that has become synonymous with clickbait to never grow, never evolve, never have a moment of self awareness, and just carry on publishing vile sensationalist bullshit like this is just sad. stop picking on people of colour for absolutely nothing. no wonder your IPO failed so miserably. you’re on par with TMZ at this point”

Sources close to Williams told TMZ that he was unaware of what had been drawn on him at the time and that the markings did not reflect his beliefs or values. Williams has not publicly commented on the photograph.

The image resurfaced weeks after separate online discussion surrounding allegations linked to an alleged social media burner account. No independent verification of the photograph’s origins or circumstances has been made public.