Justice Smith Asks ‘Heated Rivalry’ Fans to “Give Me a Chance” in Response to Casting Backlash

Heated Rivalry announced that Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie will star in season 2 as Harris and Troy, respectively. Justice’s casting led to him receiving backlash online, and he even issued a statement about his plans for bringing the character to life.Heated Rivalry author Rachel Reid explained that fans had similar backlash to Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie’s casting last year.ICYMI, Heated Rivalry season 2 has found its Harris and Troy in Justice Smith and Charlie Gillespie, respectively…but not everyone in the fandom is happy about it. The news—shared on Friday by show creator Jacob Tierney and executive producer Brendan Brady—has resulted in backlash toward Justice’s casting and prompted the actor to defend himself online.“I have to say I am moved by the support and love I’m getting from fans in my dms, fans who have welcomed me with open arms and who already feel a responsibility to protect me,” he shared in a Story posted to his Instagram.InstagramJustice added, “I am honored to play a character that you all care about deeply and I promise that I will take good care of him if you give me the chance. I am beyond excited for the experience.”FWIW, this isn’t the first time that the Heated Rivalry fandom has taken issue with casting. When Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie were cast as Shane and Ilya for season 1, fans were also upset—a point that author Rachel Reid noted in response to the backlash against Justice.Add Cosmopolitan as a preferred source in your Google search results.Use your Google account to add this to your settings.“Thinking about all the people last summer who told me the casting for llya and Shane was wrong and bad…” she wrote in an Instagram Story.Instagram//InstagramJacob and Brendan also stand by their decision to bring Justice on as a cast member for Heated Rivalry season 2.“Rachel Reid has given us two beautifully layered characters in Harris and Troy who you can’t help but root for,” Jacob said in a statement, while Brendan added, “Justice and Charlie do exactly that. They immediately connected with the vulnerability and resilience at the core of these characters, bringing an instinctive understanding of who Harris and Troy are.”That said, looking forward to seeing how Harris and Troy’s sizzling romance unfolds in Heated Rivalry season 2, which truly can’t come soon enough…