Hudson Williams Faces Backlash Over Resurfaced High School Photo as Simu Liu Defends Actor

Actor Hudson Williams is facing online backlash after a photograph from his teenage years resurfaced on social media shortly after a major career achievement.

The image, which began circulating on X and TikTok, shows a teenage Williams with a swastika and other markings drawn on his face with a black marker. According to reports from TMZ and sources familiar with the situation, the photo was taken during a graduation tradition in Williams' small Canadian hometown known as a "Grad Stag" or annual campout party, where teenagers would gather for celebrations that often involved heavy drinking.

Representatives for Williams said the actor did not draw the symbol on himself and was unaware it had been drawn on his face when the photograph was taken. They stated that he was heavily intoxicated at the time and that the image does not reflect his beliefs or values.

In a statement provided through sources close to the actor, Williams' team said he understands the offensive nature of the symbol and regrets any pain caused by the image. The team emphasized that the markings "do not and have never reflected Hudson's beliefs, values, or character."

The controversy emerged just after Williams and the hockey romance drama Heated Rivalry achieved major success at the Canadian Screen Awards. The series won a record 16 awards, including Best Drama Series, while Williams received the award for Best Lead Performer.

The timing of the backlash also fueled speculation about Williams' professional partnerships. Fans noted that fitness company Peloton had removed campaign images featuring the actor and was no longer following him on Instagram, prompting rumors that the company had ended its relationship with him because of the controversy.

However, sources later said the campaign had already concluded and that the removal of promotional images was part of routine post-campaign maintenance rather than a response to the resurfaced photograph.

Since the controversy erupted, Williams has largely stepped back from public appearances and online activity, with sources saying he is focusing on his privacy and mental health.

Marvel actor Simu Liu publicly defended Williams amid the criticism. Posting on Threads, Liu criticized media outlets and online commentators for amplifying the story and argued that people of color in the entertainment industry are often subjected to heightened scrutiny.

"For an organization that has become synonymous with clickbait to never grow, never evolve, never have a moment of self-awareness, and just carry on publishing vile sensationalist b****** like this is just sad," Liu wrote. "Stop picking on people of color for absolutely nothing."

Liu also questioned the timing of the photo's resurfacing, noting that it appeared just as Williams was receiving widespread recognition for his work. He said he had observed similar situations involving other people of color during moments of high visibility.

"I began to recognize patterns whenever people of color specifically had a moment of visibility," Liu wrote. "It happened like clockwork, and I see it happening now."

The actor said his reaction was influenced by his own experiences after rising to prominence in Hollywood. Liu recalled facing intense online criticism and said he believed narratives about him had been distorted or taken out of context.

He concluded by warning other creators and public figures about the risks of online backlash campaigns.

"The internet is insane. Bad actors are everywhere. If you're here, be careful. Be smart," Liu wrote.

The controversy continues to generate debate online, with supporters pointing to the context surrounding the photograph and critics arguing that the image remains deeply offensive regardless of intent. Neither Williams nor his representatives have announced any further public statements beyond the explanations already provided.