It’s no secret that TV fans love NBC’s hit drama This Is Us. Each week, millions of people tune in to watch Randall, Kate, and Kevin deal with the pressures of life. While most shows stick to one particular time period, This Is Us follows “the Big Three” across several decades and relies on child actors like Lonnie Chavis, who plays young Randall, to tell the story.
With his immense talent and too-cute looks, Chavis is a favorite among viewers. But apparently, not everyone is a fan. Recently, the 10-year-old posted a video to Instagram to respond to immature bullies who make fun of the gap in his front teeth.
“To all the trolls who have been trolling in my comments, talking about my gap, I could get my gap fixed. Braces can fix this, but like, can you fix your heart, though?” the young star asked.
“There are kids out there killing themselves just because of y’all hating and trolling and doing just crazy stuff,” Chavis continued. “It hurts people. People kill themselves, and you’re the one who’s making them do it. Fix your heart, though. For real.”
Chavis may be young, but he’s not wrong about the devastating effects of cyberbullying. According to a recent study by researchers at Swansea University, “children and young people under 25 who are victims of cyberbullying are more than twice as likely to self-harm and enact suicidal behavior.”
While Chavis said he’s can handle the negative comments and “is not tripping,” he reminded the haters that some young people cannot. After taking the bullies to task, the young star also had a few words for young people who may have to deal with trolls in their own life.
“Don’t trip. Be who you want to be. Do what you want to do,” he said. “Do you. Be you. Believe in yourself.”