Bella Ramsey’s Outrage: Fighting Back Against Memes and Misrepresentation in The Last of Us

Bella Ramsey, the talented young star of HBO’s The Last of Us, has become a lightning rod for controversy following a pivotal scene in the show’s second season, aired in May 2025. The line “I’m going to be a dad,” delivered by Ramsey’s character Ellie in response to her girlfriend Dina’s pregnancy, sparked a wave of memes that ranged from humorous to outright mocking. Overwhelmed with anger, Ramsey broke her silence, demanding that individuals and organizations behind the derogatory memes face lawsuits for what she perceives as malicious mockery. This article explores the context of the controversial scene, Ramsey’s emotional response, the cultural dynamics of online trolling, and the feasibility of her legal demands, shedding light on a moment that has ignited passionate debate.

Bella Ramsey and The Last of Us: A Rising Star in a Polarizing Role

At 21, Bella Ramsey has solidified their place as a formidable talent, rising to fame as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones before taking on the lead role of Ellie in The Last of Us. The HBO adaptation of Naughty Dog’s acclaimed video game, co-starring Pedro Pascal as Joel, has been praised for its fidelity to the source material, its emotional depth, and Ramsey’s nuanced performance. Season 1, released in 2023, was a critical and commercial success, earning accolades for its storytelling in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal pandemic. Season 2, which premiered in 2025, delves deeper into the events of The Last of Us Part II, focusing on Ellie’s complex journey of revenge, love, and identity.

The controversial scene occurs in a 2025 episode, where Ellie learns that Dina, played by Isabela Merced, is pregnant with the child of her ex-boyfriend Jesse. In the game, Ellie reacts with anger, calling the pregnancy a “burden” amid her quest for vengeance. However, the HBO adaptation has Ellie exclaim, “Holy sh*t, I’m gonna be a dad,” a lighthearted line not present in the original script. This change, intended as a moment of levity, drew mixed reactions. While some fans found it endearing, others felt it was out of character for Ellie, whose arc is defined by trauma and rage. The line quickly became meme fodder, with social media platforms like X flooded with jokes, some celebrating the moment and others mocking Ramsey’s delivery or the show’s handling of Ellie’s lesbian identity.

The Memes and Ramsey’s Reaction

The memes surrounding the “I’m going to be a dad” scene varied widely. Some were playful, editing Ramsey’s face onto comedic images of expectant fathers, while others were harsher, targeting Ellie’s identity as a lesbian character or Ramsey’s non-binary identity (Ramsey uses they/them pronouns). Posts on X highlighted the divide: some fans praised the scene for its representation of queer joy, while others criticized it as a “sitcom punchline” that clashed with the game’s tone. A subset of memes veered into personal attacks, mocking Ramsey’s appearance, gender identity, or acting choices, which likely fueled their anger.

Ramsey’s decision to break their silence was a bold move. Known for their introspective nature and Christian faith, Ramsey has spoken about their discomfort with fame, describing themselves as “just Bella” in a 2023 interview. The onslaught of memes, particularly those with malicious intent, appears to have crossed a personal boundary. Their demand for lawsuits against individuals and organizations—potentially including meme creators, social media users, or platforms hosting the content—reflects a deep frustration with being misrepresented. Ramsey’s anger is understandable: at 21, navigating a high-profile role while facing online vitriol is a heavy burden, especially when the mockery targets their identity or performance in a scene meant to celebrate love.

The Scene’s Controversy: A Cultural Flashpoint

The “I’m going to be a dad” scene stirred debate beyond Ramsey’s personal response. Some viewers, particularly conservative audiences, took issue with a lesbian character using “dad” to describe their role, seeing it as a departure from traditional gender norms. A May 2025 article noted backlash around Mother’s Day, with critics arguing the line was inappropriate for Ellie’s character or the show’s tone. Conversely, supporters celebrated the scene as a progressive depiction of queer parenthood, emphasizing Ellie and Dina’s tenderness, as Merced described their on-set comfort during a kissing scene.

The divergence from the game’s narrative—where Ellie’s reaction is anger, not joy—further fueled the controversy. Fans of The Last of Us Part II argued that Ellie’s lighthearted response undermined her complex emotional state, reducing a pivotal moment to a “sitcom” quip. This criticism, combined with memes amplifying the line’s absurdity, created a perfect storm. Ramsey, who has defended their casting against detractors questioning their suitability for Ellie, likely felt the memes compounded existing scrutiny, particularly around their gender identity and the show’s handling of queer themes.

The Legal Feasibility of Ramsey’s Demands

Ramsey’s call for lawsuits raises questions about the legal grounds for targeting meme creators or platforms. In the UK, where Ramsey resides, defamation laws require proof that false statements caused serious harm to reputation. While some memes may be offensive, proving defamation is challenging, as memes are often satirical and protected under free speech. Cyberbullying or harassment could be a stronger legal avenue, particularly if memes targeted Ramsey’s identity with malicious intent. However, identifying individual creators on platforms like X is difficult, and pursuing legal action against social media companies is complex due to their status as hosts, not publishers, under laws like Section 230 in the US.

Organizations, such as media outlets amplifying the memes, could face scrutiny if they endorsed harmful content, but Ramsey’s broad demand suggests frustration rather than a clear legal strategy. The emotional toll of online mockery, especially for a young actor, likely drove this response, but the practicality of suing over memes is limited. Instead, Ramsey’s statement may serve as a public stand against toxic online culture, signaling to fans and detractors alike that they won’t tolerate personal attacks.

Fan Reactions and Industry Support

The Last of Us fandom is deeply divided, as seen on X. Supporters have rallied around Ramsey, praising their performance and condemning hateful memes. Posts describe Ramsey as “brilliant” and Ellie’s line as a “sweet moment” that reflects queer joy, with fans sharing clips of the tender scene with Dina. Others, however, doubled down on criticism, arguing the show’s writers, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, mishandled Ellie’s arc. The backlash has also reignited debates about Ramsey’s casting, with some claiming a closer physical match to the game’s Ellie was needed, though many defend Ramsey’s emotional authenticity.

Industry peers have likely bolstered Ramsey’s resolve. Isabela Merced, who plays Dina, has spoken warmly of their on-set chemistry, describing a comfortable filming experience. Pedro Pascal, as Joel, has also praised Ramsey’s talent, calling them a “force” in interviews. This support, combined with HBO’s backing of the show’s creative choices, suggests Ramsey isn’t alone in facing the controversy. However, the memes’ personal nature—targeting Ramsey’s identity rather than just the scene—has made this a deeply personal battle.

The Broader Context of Online Culture

The meme frenzy reflects a broader issue: the internet’s tendency to amplify and distort public figures’ lives. Young actors like Ramsey, thrust into global fame, face intense scrutiny, particularly when their roles touch on sensitive topics like gender and sexuality. The Last of Us scene, intended as a moment of levity, became a lightning rod for cultural debates, from queer representation to fidelity to source material. This mirrors other 2025 controversies, like backlash against Coronation Street exits, where fan passion fuels both support and criticism online.

Ramsey’s Christian faith, expressed in a 2023 video where they described themselves as “just a 16-year-old girl” following a calling, adds complexity. Their openness about faith and non-binary identity makes them a target for polarized online communities, yet it also underscores their resilience. The demand for lawsuits, while legally challenging, signals a broader call for accountability in how public figures are treated online, especially young actors navigating fame.

Lessons from Ramsey’s Stand

Ramsey’s outrage offers lessons about boundaries and resilience. Their demand for legal action, while ambitious, highlights the toll of online harassment and the need for healthier digital spaces. For fans, it’s a reminder to engage critically but kindly, recognizing the human behind the performance. For the industry, it underscores the responsibility to protect young talent from toxic backlash, especially when tackling bold narratives like queer parenthood in a post-apocalyptic world.

Ramsey’s journey also reflects the power of representation. The “I’m going to be a dad” scene, despite its controversy, celebrates queer love and family, a milestone for mainstream TV. By standing up to mockery, Ramsey champions authenticity, encouraging others to embrace their identities without fear of ridicule.

Conclusion

Bella Ramsey’s fiery response to memes mocking their “I’m going to be a dad” scene in The Last of Us is a bold stand against online vitriol. At 21, Ramsey has faced immense pressure, from defending their casting to navigating personal attacks on their identity. Their demand for lawsuits, while legally complex, reflects a deeper desire for respect and accountability in a digital age where mockery can spiral unchecked. As fans rally around Ramsey and debate the scene’s merits, this controversy highlights the challenges of portraying queer stories in a polarized world. Ramsey’s courage, backed by their talent and faith, ensures that their voice—and Ellie’s—will resonate long after the memes fade, reminding us to approach art and artists with empathy and understanding.