Bandersnatch actor Will Poulter leaves Twitter amid backlash over Black Mirror film

'The time has come to change my relationship with social media'

Less than a week after the release of Black Mirror’s latest episode, Bandersnatch, Will Poulter has announced his decision to leave social media.

The actor, who plays genius game creator Colin Ritman in Charlie Brooker's choose-your-own-adventure special, shared the message on Twitter, citing his mental health as the reason for his departure.

“In light of my recent experiences I am choosing to take a step back, of sorts, from Twitter,” Poulter wrote.

“Before I do, I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everybody who has watched Bandersnatch and for their responses (whatever they may be) to the material we created.

“I accept all criticisms and it’s been a delight to learn that so many of you enjoyed what many people worked very hard to produce!”

The 25-year-old then went on to explain how he struggled to balance the different sides of social media platforms like Twitter, writing: “As we all know there is a balance to be struck in our engagements with social media.

“There are positives to enjoy and inevitable negatives that are best avoided. It’s a balance I have struggled with for a while now and in the interest of my mental health I feel the time has come to change my relationship with social media.”

He concluded the statement by thanking his fans for their support and linking to four charities he works with, including an anti-bullying campaign.

“I don’t want to appear unappreciative of all the amazing support I have received online for which I am genuinely so grateful, nor do I want my disengagement with social media to be at the expense of any of the organisations I am lucky to work with,” Poulter wrote.

“So I will still be posting occasionally for and with @AntiBullyingPro @leap_cc @MayMeasure and @bptcompany among others.

“I am privileged to have this platform. I hope that this shift to reduce my personal expression and increase the focus on issues that matter will result in a better outcome for everyone.

“That is not the end. Consider it an alternative path. With love, Will.”

Although Poulter did not directly address what prompted his decision to leave social media, many have speculated it could relate to people bullying the actor over his looks in the Black Mirror episode.

“I can’t believe that Will Poulter had to leave because of you f***ing a**holes, you kept mocking his appearance instead of focusing on the fact that he spreads awareness ,talks about mental illnesses and supports the LGBT+ community,” one person commented.

Another agreed, adding: “I can’t believe Twitter rly bullied Will Poulter for his looks and made him have to step back from social media because of it.

“This is disgusting. He is an amazing person and it’s not funny to make fun of someone’s appearance. It’s not okay. [sic]”

Poulter is just the latest in a number of celebrities who have recently chosen to leave social media for the sake of their mental health.

Comedian Pete Davidson took a step back from social media in recent months, deleting all the photos from his account on two different occasions.

He explained in July, after removing all of his images for the first time, that he had chosen to do so because “the internet is an evil place”. In December, he revealed that he had also been bullied online and in public “for the past nine months”.

Star Wars actors Kellie Marie Tran and Daisy Ridley also deleted their accounts after receiving online abuse from trolls upset by the recent spate of Disney-produced movies.

If you have been affected by any issues mentioned in this article, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 and find out more information here.