Jeffrey Dean Morgan called out toxic The Walking Dead fans for causing an uproar about co-star Norman Reedus’ spinoff series.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan joined The Walking Dead series as Negan, the infamous villain of Robert Kirkman’s comic book series. Dean Morgan’s first appearance was filled with violence, taking his signature baseball bat to bash the heads of two beloved characters from the main cast. It seems like Dean Morgan is not one to hold back off-screen, either.

The actor came to his co-stars Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride’s defense when fans began to call out the actors regarding the spinoff series The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. McBride reportedly exited the spinoff before filming as she did not want to move to Europe, which annoyed many fans. However, Dean Morgan called out the fans for their toxicity.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan called out The Walking Dead fans

Jeffrey Dean Morgan in The Walking Dead | Credits: AMC

Fandoms have become more vocal (and, in many cases, really dangerous) about what they want from their favorite franchises. Be it games or films and shows, purists have resorted to attacking many of the actors for some personal decisions. There have been many instances where the bullying has gone to the verge of the actors quitting social media.

After the series finale of The Walking Dead, AMC began to develop a spinoff centered on Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride’s characters. The show featuring Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier was supposed to be a traveling series set in Europe. However, McBride reportedly chose to exit as she was not willing to move to Europe (via EW).

Melissa McBride and Norman Reedus in The Walking Dead | Credits: AMC

This seemed to irk many fans, who resorted to trashing both McBride and Norman Reedus online. However, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who played Negan in the flagship show, came to their rescue. He put out an X post calling the fans toxic and set the record straight on what was going on behind the scenes.

Some of you have gone WAY too far. TOXIC. Attacking norm for crap he has NOTHING to do with? Melissa made a call that was hers alone. She wants/needs a break. Respect that. Factors involved that are nobody’s business. Norm, who’s given more than anyone to you all. Just SHITTY.

— Jeffrey Dean Morgan (@JDMorgan) April 29, 2022

Fans have often gone overboard to keep the experience of their beloved franchises alive, but actors like Jeffrey Dean Morgan show up once in a while to bring home the reality of production and personal choices.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan came to Norman Reedus’ defense after fans personally attacked him

Norman Reedus in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon | Credits: AMC

In many ways, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is unlike its flagship show. Sure, there is the zombie apocalypse, but visually and setting-wise, it is quite different where it is its own thing. The European locations add a lot to this visual difference in the shows, and it seems to be extremely important to set it there.

However, actor Norman Reedus was reportedly accused by fans of having forced the team to set the location in Europe so he could spend time with his new family in Germany (via EW). Co-star Jeffrey Dean Morgan debunked those rumors, too, with a disparaging tweet aimed at fans who were personally attacking Reedus for his alleged decision.

Norman had nothing to do with picking location. That decision is all about story, ideas… MONEY. That’s studio/network. Not actors. We can say yes and do, or no, and not do… MAYBE. SOMETIMES. If we’re lucky and don’t have contract yet. Rarely does actor have that power.

— Jeffrey Dean Morgan (@JDMorgan) April 29, 2022

The European setting of the show adds a lot to the series’ aesthetic and separates it from the flagship show. Daryl Dixon was renewed for a third season last year.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is available to stream on AMC+.