'Heated Rivalry' star François Arnaud addresses online harassment amid rumored romance with co-star

Heated Rivalry star François Arnaud has something to say amid online harassment he has been receiving.

As reported by The New York Post's gossip outlet Page Six, Arnaud is said to be fending off online threats after being seen traveling together with co-star Connor Storrie after a New York press week, igniting dating rumors and also death threats as fans prefer Storrie with his on-screen partner, Hudson Williams.

"I think it’s a lot of younger fans who don’t really understand the difference between reality and fiction,” he said of the harassment.

“I honestly wish they would just rewatch the show, because it doesn’t seem like they got its message,” the actor continued. “Pay attention more closely. Did we watch the same show?”

Storrie and Hudson headline Heated Rivalry as Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, hockey rivals who fall into a secret romance, with Arnaud joining the cast as Scott Hunter, also an athlete.

Last Thursday, it was reported that he unfollowed his co-stars and series creator Jacob Tierney. Arnaud explained that he was trying to unfollow everyone on his list, but Instagram only allowed a certain number for 24 hours. As of writing, he is only following the non-profit organization Amnesty International.

Arnaud previously said the raunchy show’s popularity left him overwhelmed by a surge in social media followers, prompting him to think about stepping away from all platforms.

Some fans have voiced concern that the social media drama could affect Arnaud’s involvement in Season 2.

Storrie and Arnaud’s representatives have yet to comment on the matter.