The Walking Dead actor ‘shocked’ by negative responses to gay character

The actor behind gay character Aaron on The Walking Dead has admitted that responses to his character’s sexuality were “mixed”.

Speaking to the IBTimes, Ross Marquand said he was “shocked” by the number of hateful comments he and the show received.

“It’s been a bit mixed,” he said. “On one hand, we’ve had very negative [responses].

“But for as many negative responses, there were just as many, if not more, fans who were coming to the defence of not only Aaron but the LGBT community in general, which is really lovely to see.”

He added: “I think at first I was really shocked by the response and kind of baffled as to why people would be writing such vitriolic comments, but as time went on I was actually grateful because it sparked a debate.

“I think when people can talk openly about social issues, you never think your work is going to have a great social impact and then it does. It’s nice to see that.”

The Walking Dead’s sixth season has continued the show’s popularity, although ratings have dipped very slightly.

The show airs Mondays at 9pm on Fox in the UK.