Luke Perry death: Actor's daughter defends herself against critics 'shaming her grieving process'

Sophie Perry says her father's death is the 'worst thing to ever happen in [her] life'

Luke Perry’s daughter has defended herself against critics who she says were “shaming [her] grieving process”.

Sophie Perry, 18, shared a message on her Instagram account on Monday saying she has received “a lot of attention online” in the wake of her father’s death. The 90210 and Riverdale actor died last week aged 52 after a serious stroke.

“While I don’t mean to offend anybody, I’m also not going to cater to any one else’s needs and beliefs,” Perry wrote.

She added: “I am going to laugh and smile and live my normal life. YES I am hurt and sad and crying and beside myself with what happened to my dad. It’s the worst thing to ever happen in my life. And I am torn the f*** up over it. But I’m not going to sit in my room and cry day in and day out until the Internet has deemed it appropriate for me to do otherwise. And if you knew my dad you would know he wouldn’t want me to. So you shouldn’t either.

“So to those of you shaming me for my language and my wardrobe and most disgustingly, my grieving process, do us both the favour and just unfollow. It’s a waste of both of your time.”

Most of the messages that prompted the 18-year-old to share this update appear to have disappeared from her Instagram account, but comments from other users make mention of “sick” and “disgusting” messages amounting to “bullying”.

One comment left on Perry’s account in French criticises Luke Perry’s family and his doctors in no uncertain terms.

Last week, the actor’s daughter had shared a photo of herself with her father on the social media platform, writing: “A lot has happened in this past week for me. Everything is happening so fast. I made it back from Malawi just in time to be here with my family, and in the past 24 hours I have received an overwhelming amount of love and support.

“I cannot individually respond to the hundreds of beautiful and heartfelt messages, but I see them, and appreciate you all for sending positivity to my family and I.

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“I’m not really sure what to say or do in this situation, it’s something you aren’t ever given a lesson on how to handle, especially when it’s all happening in the public eye. So bear with me and know that I am grateful for all the love. Just, being grateful quietly.”