Opinion — the Mia Goth debate is toxic stan culture exemplified

The actress is being sued by an extra who alleges she ‘intentionally’ kicked him in the head on set. In response, a sub-section of her fanbase has dismissed the assault accusations with trivialising language, highlighting the problematic nature of out-of-control para-social relationships.

During the last few years, Mia Goth has cemented her position as the ‘It Girl’ of horror, widely obsessed-over for her leading roles in Pearl, X, and the hotly-anticipated final instalment of the A24 slasher film trilogy, MaXXXine.

After achieving a career breakthrough with the series, the eccentric star earned herself a cult following for her memorable performances in these provocative projects and, until recently, her fanbase extended across most of the Internet.

Reports that she’s being sued by an extra who alleges she ‘intentionally’ kicked him in the head on set have dampened Mia’s far-reaching appeal and threaten to corrupt her personal brand, however.

As background actor James Hunter claims, Mia ‘taunted, mocked, and belittled’ him while filming a scene together for MaXXXine in…