Priah Ferguson Denies Rumors of Feud with Winona Ryder Amid Viral TikTok Claims
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Priah Ferguson, known for her role as Erica Sinclair on the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, has publicly refuted viral rumors suggesting a rift with co-star Winona Ryder. The controversy ignited after a TikTok video claimed Ferguson overheard Ryder requesting “less scenes” with her, citing concerns over Ferguson’s Instagram content being “too revealing.”
The speculation originated from an interview Ferguson gave on Fox 11 Los Angeles’ show The Sit, where she recounted the emotional challenges of her first major Hollywood audition. In the original interview, Ferguson described feeling intimidated by a casting director, without naming any individuals. However, the clip was deceptively edited and paired with a misleading caption alleging that Ryder had expressed discomfort to the Duffer brothers, the creators of Stranger Things, about sharing screen time with Ferguson.
The TikTok video quickly amassed nearly 200,000 likes and sparked a wave of reaction videos accumulating over 800,000 views. Despite the viral spread, Ferguson was swift to clarify the misinformation. She responded directly in the TikTok comments, stating, “This is not true! Winona is one of the kindest people I’ve met!” She further implored the public to “please leave Winona alone,” emphasizing her respect and admiration for the veteran actress.
Ferguson, 19, also addressed the false narrative on her Instagram account after a fan inquired about the rumor. She categorically denied that Ryder ever made such a request, calling Ryder “one of the most kindest people I’ve ever met since I’ve been working in this industry.” Ferguson expressed disappointment that her original interview was twisted to create a divisive story, underscoring the emotional toll of such baseless claims.
Winona Ryder has not publicly commented on the rumor, and her representatives have not issued a statement despite inquiries. The incident highlights the broader challenges actors face navigating social media narratives and misinformation in the digital age.
The viral spread of the edited clip underscores the power of platforms like TikTok in shaping public perception, often without context or verification. It also raises important questions about the responsibility of users and content creators to avoid misleading edits that can harm reputations.
Ferguson’s response aligns with guidance from organizations like the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Trade Commission, which emphasize the importance of combating misinformation online. As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with the intersection of social media and celebrity culture, actors like Ferguson are increasingly vocal about protecting their professional relationships from unfounded rumors.
For now, fans of Stranger Things can look forward to the ongoing collaboration between its talented cast members, free from the shadow of fabricated discord. Ferguson’s candid and heartfelt rebuttal serves as a reminder of the human impact behind viral stories and the need for critical consumption of online content.
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