Fodie Foster, the veteran actress and filmmaker whose career has spanned nearly six decades, has never shied away from speaking her mind about the entertainment industry’s complexities. At 62 years old in May 2025, Foster remains a powerful voice in Hollywood, known for her Oscar-winning roles in The Silence of the Lambs and The Accused, as well as her recent work in True Detective: Night Country. But beyond her on-screen achievements, Foster has become a mentor to younger actors, advocating for authenticity and freedom in an industry often bound by rigid expectations. On May 28, 2025, during an interview at a Los Angeles charity event supporting mental health initiatives, Foster addressed a topic that has sparked heated debate online: the label of “most hated” that has been unfairly pinned on non-binary actor Bella Ramsey, the 21-year-old star of HBO’s The Last of Us. Foster’s comments offer a poignant reflection on the challenges Ramsey faces, the industry’s evolving landscape, and the importance of embracing one’s true self in the face of criticism.

The Backdrop: Bella Ramsey’s Rise and the “Most Hated” Controversy

Bella Ramsey, born in 2003, burst onto the global stage with their role as Ellie in The Last of Us, earning critical acclaim for their raw and nuanced performance. Prior to that, Ramsey had already made a name for themselves as the fierce Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones. Identifying as non-binary and using they/them pronouns, Ramsey has been a vocal advocate for authenticity, often challenging Hollywood’s traditional norms through their fashion choices and unapologetic self-expression. At the Elle magazine Women in Hollywood celebration in December 2023, Ramsey’s appearance in a tailored suit with a middle parting and no makeup stood out starkly against the typical glamour of the event, earning praise from Foster, who had specifically requested Ramsey to introduce her.

However, Ramsey’s authenticity has not been universally embraced. In early 2025, a viral thread on X labeled Ramsey as “the most hated actor of their generation,” citing their “unconventional” style, outspoken views on gender, and perceived “arrogance” in interviews. The backlash, fueled by anonymous trolls and amplified by clickbait articles, painted Ramsey as a polarizing figure, with some critics accusing them of “forcing their identity” on audiences. The label stung, especially for a young actor navigating the pressures of fame while staying true to themselves. As the controversy grew, many in the industry remained silent—until Jodie Foster, a longtime mentor to Ramsey, decided to speak out.

Foster’s Perspective: “It’s Not About Hate, It’s About Fear”

During the May 28, 2025, charity event, Foster was asked about the “most hated” label attached to Ramsey, and her response was both candid and compassionate. “I’ve seen what they’re saying about Bella, this ‘most hated’ nonsense, and it’s heartbreaking—but it’s also infuriating,” Foster said, her voice steady but laced with emotion. “It’s not about hate, not really. It’s about fear. People are afraid of what they don’t understand, of someone who refuses to fit into the boxes society has built. Bella’s authenticity scares them because it forces them to question their own biases.”

Foster, who has been a trailblazer in her own right, drew parallels between Ramsey’s experience and her own struggles as a young actress in Hollywood. Having started her career at the age of three with a Coppertone commercial, Foster rose to fame as a child star, earning an Oscar nomination at 14 for her role as a teenage prostitute in Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver. But her early success came with a price. In a 2024 interview with The Guardian, Foster had spoken about the lack of freedom she felt as a young actress, noting that she couldn’t have dressed as authentically as Ramsey does today. “We weren’t free. Because we didn’t have freedom,” she had said, reflecting on the rigid expectations of her era. At the charity event, she expanded on this, saying, “When I look at Bella, I see someone who’s doing what I couldn’t at their age—living their truth without apology. And yet, they’re being punished for it. That’s not hate; that’s a failure of imagination.”

A Mentor’s Admiration: Ramsey’s Courage and Authenticity

Foster’s admiration for Ramsey is well-documented. The two first connected at the Elle Women in Hollywood event, where Foster was struck by Ramsey’s speech and their choice to forgo the typical Hollywood glamour in favor of a suit that reflected their identity. “Bella gave the best speech,” Foster recalled in her 2024 Guardian interview. “They were wearing the most perfect suit, beautifully tailored, and a middle parting with no makeup. It was a statement—not just of who they are, but of what’s possible.” At the charity event, Foster reiterated this praise, emphasizing how Ramsey’s authenticity is a beacon for a new generation. “Bella represents a vector of authenticity that’s so rare in this industry,” she said. “They’re not trying to be what others expect—they’re being themselves, and that takes incredible courage, especially when you’re 21 and the world is watching.”

Foster also addressed the specific criticisms leveled against Ramsey, particularly the accusation of arrogance. “People call Bella arrogant because they speak their mind, because they don’t conform,” she said. “But isn’t that what we should celebrate? An artist who knows who they are and isn’t afraid to show it? If that’s arrogance, then we need more of it.” She pointed out the double standard often applied to young actors, especially those who challenge norms. “When I was their age, I was expected to smile, look pretty, and keep my mouth shut. Bella’s generation is different—they’re pushing back, and I’m here for it.”

The Industry’s Role: A Call for Change

Foster didn’t stop at defending Ramsey; she used the moment to critique the broader industry and its role in perpetuating harmful narratives. “Hollywood loves to build people up and then tear them down,” she said, echoing sentiments she’s shared in past interviews, such as her 2021 conversation with The New York Times, where she described celebrity culture as something she “couldn’t stand.” At the charity event, she continued, “The ‘most hated’ label isn’t just about Bella—it’s about a system that thrives on conflict and division. We need to do better. We need to celebrate difference, not demonize it.”

Foster also highlighted the role of social media in amplifying such controversies. While she famously avoids social media herself—telling Elle in 2023, “I don’t really care about other people’s opinions”—she acknowledged its impact on younger stars like Ramsey. “I can’t imagine what it’s like to be 21 today, with every move you make dissected online,” she said. “When I was starting out, we didn’t have X or TikTok. If people hated you, you might not even know it. Now, it’s in your face 24/7. That’s a kind of pressure I never had to face, and it takes a toll.”

A Personal Connection: Foster’s Own Journey

Foster’s defense of Ramsey is deeply personal, rooted in her own experiences as a queer woman in Hollywood. For years, Foster kept her personal life private, only publicly coming out during her 2013 Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award speech, where she spoke about wanting to be “seen, to be understood, deeply, and to be not so very lonely.” Reflecting on her journey at the charity event, she said, “I know what it’s like to feel like you have to hide parts of yourself to be accepted. I lived that for decades. Seeing Bella be so open about who they are—it’s healing for me. But it also makes me angry that they’re being attacked for it.”

Foster also drew on her role as a mother to her two sons, Charlie and Kit, whom she raised with her former partner Cydney Bernard and now co-parents with her wife, Alexandra Hedison. In her 2024 Guardian interview, she spoke about challenging her older son’s views on masculinity, saying, “I was like, ‘No. That’s not what it is to be a man!’” At the charity event, she connected this to Ramsey’s experience, noting, “Bella is showing us that there are other ways to be—not just a woman, but a person. That’s what I want my boys to see, and what I want the world to see.”

A Call to Action: Embracing Authenticity

Foster ended her remarks with a call to action for both the industry and its audiences. “We need to stop tearing down people who dare to be different,” she said. “Bella Ramsey isn’t the ‘most hated’—they’re the most brave. They’re showing us what freedom looks like, and we should be thanking them for it.” She urged Hollywood to create more space for diverse voices, echoing her comments from the Elle event where she noted that fashion and representation often determine “who represents us.” “Let’s make room for everyone,” she said. “Not just the ones who fit the mold.”

As Foster continues to mentor young stars like Ramsey, her words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity in an industry that often demands conformity. On May 28, 2025, she not only defended a rising talent but also challenged Hollywood to evolve, ensuring that the next generation can thrive without fear of being labeled “most hated” for simply being themselves. Foster’s voice, as always, carries the weight of experience, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to change—a legacy that extends far beyond her iconic roles. 🌟