She may play a murderous doctor on Shortland Street, but actress Bree Peters is far from a villian. However, some viewers of the popular soap are struggling to separate her on-screen persona with her personal one, hurling abuse at her both online and in person.
The actress recently revealed on TV One’s Breakfast that she has been the subject of bullying since appearing on the beloved soap. She has been spat at in the street and ridiculed about her looks and acting skills online, so much so that she has shut done all her social media accounts.
Bree spoke with Ali Pugh about how upsetting she has found the abuse, along with her fellow Shortland Street actress Kerry-Lee Dewing, who also admitted to fielding criticism from the public. While the pair acknowledge it’s testament to their acting skills, they admit it’s been a lowlight of their time in the spotlight.
Bree Peters has opened up about the bullying she’s encountered since starring on Shortland Street.
In a twist of irony, since opening up about her struggles with online bullying on Breakfast, Bree has been showered in support online. Users have praised her acting skills, citing them as a big reason for the public’s animosity towards her.
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“Bree Peters is an awesome actor who makes Shortland Street more interesting,” Victoria Leilani Avealalo wrote on the Shortland Street Facebook page. “Love your acting, it’s so realistic. Just thought that you should know.”
Stan Walker has also made a statement on Instagram, urging people to lay off Bree. “Follow & support this talented woman & actually give her some props for convincing you all of her character…. #stopbullying.”
WATCH: Bree Peters talks about being bullied
