The Summer I Turned Pretty has ignited heated debates among fans, and at the center of it all is Gavin Casalegno’s portrayal of Jeremiah Fisher. Following a flood of criticism labeling Jeremiah “the internet’s most hated boyfriend,” Casalegno is speaking out. In interviews with outlets like The New York Times and E! News, the 25-year-old actor revealed how he’s processing the backlash while standing by his character’s journey.
Casalegno admitted that seeing the negativity online was “tough at first,” but he now views it as proof that viewers are emotionally invested. He explained that Jeremiah’s decisions — especially in Season 3’s love triangle with Belly and Conrad — were written to stir conflict, not to win popularity contests. “You’re not supposed to love every decision he makes,” he told New York Post, adding that playing a flawed character has helped him grow as an actor.
Fan Reactions and Internet Backlash
Fans of Jenny Han’s novels and the Prime Video series have long been divided between “Team Conrad” and “Team Jeremiah.” As Season 3 unfolded, Jeremiah’s choices drew fierce online criticism. Some fans accused him of being manipulative or careless with Belly’s feelings, while others defended his vulnerability and openness. Casalegno said that he doesn’t take the hate personally, reminding audiences that Jeremiah’s flaws are part of the story’s complexity.
Why It Matters
The controversy highlights the unique place The Summer I Turned Pretty occupies in teen drama culture. Unlike many series that lean into idealized romance, the show dares to depict messy relationships and conflicting loyalties. Casalegno’s defense of Jeremiah underscores how much of the backlash stems from fans projecting their hopes onto fictional outcomes. For Prime Video, the polarizing discourse has only fueled buzz, keeping the series trending even between new episodes.
What’s Next for the Series
While Prime Video has not confirmed an official release date for Season 4, Jenny Han’s source material suggests the love triangle still has more story left to tell. Whether Jeremiah ultimately redeems himself or continues to frustrate fans, Casalegno seems prepared to embrace both praise and criticism. As he put it, the strongest reaction a character can inspire is one that makes people talk long after the credits roll.
For now, Gavin Casalegno remains unbothered by the “Jeremiah hate” — and perhaps even grateful for it. After all, in the world of teen dramas, controversy is just another form of staying power.
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