The continuous criticism had stirred up a group of people, and Roy's frustration had not completely subsided.
No matter how much he tried to help, how many could he discipline? Those people were getting nastier by the minute. If it weren't for the online setting, he would have already given them a bit of "life guidance" with his fists!
After thinking for a while, he remembered his own Facebook account. As someone with a large fan base, it might be an effective way to speak up for Laila.
"I believe in Laila. She's the best director, bringing many classic films to Hollywood. Why doesn't everyone give her a bit more trust? I saw that article saying Laila must have made some deal to cast an Eastern actor. But let's think about it. What reasons, besides a deal, might make her choose that person?"
Roy had a considerable number of fans, even more than Laila, as he was a celebrity with a lot of public exposure. So, his fan base mainly consisted of young people and some fans of his looks.
Among young people, Laila's reputation was also high. Many of his fans knew about Laila and liked the movies she directed. After all, most of Roy's works were with her.
Hearing their idol speak in support, his fans started to think it made some sense. Laila was undeniably one of Hollywood's most talented directors. She had succeeded with whatever she had done before. Who could be sure that adding an Eastern actor would lead to failure? Maybe the addition would even make the movie more popular!
At this point, many people remembered the interviews with Roy and the paparazzi. At that time, he had said, "There's only one Laila in Hollywood. If you can understand her thoughts, then there could be directors everywhere."
Now it seemed like that might be the case. If everyone easily understood every decision Laila made, could she still firmly hold the position of the best director in Hollywood? She might have been crowded out by numerous competitors long ago!
"Roy is right. We should trust Laila."
"Maybe Laila really made an unexpected decision. Isn't it too much to boycott the movie before even watching it?"
"Regardless of what others say, I believe in Laila. Her first movie is my favorite. Although she stopped making horror films later, I love all the other movies she made!"
"I'm a fan of Roy. I love any movie he stars in! Don't let me see anyone talking about boycotting. If I do, they'll taste my fist!"
Truly a fan of Roy, the tone seemed to suggest a rather aggressive temperament.
At this time, some people approached the issue from another perspective. "Laila cast a singer. Does that mean there will be singing parts in the movie?"
"The book doesn't seem to have such descriptions, right? If so, can using an Eastern person to sing Eastern songs create a different ethnic flavor?"
"That seems to make some sense. Suddenly, I'm really looking forward to the movie!"
Roy looked at the comments under his account, feeling somewhat puzzled about how the topic had shifted in a mysterious direction. However, judging from their words, it seemed like they had gained more anticipation for the movie, which might mean he had helped Laila a bit.
Knowing this made him happy, and he engaged more with his fans.
He thought that if he could attract more fans, it might mean more ways he could help Laila. Fans, naturally, were happy to get closer to their idol. Roy's responses received their utmost enthusiasm.
Laila quickly received news about his supportive comments.
The boss might not care about the outside world, but her subordinates need to pay more attention. Demi had been helping her collect online comments. She quickly recorded any slight movement, collecting information to report to the boss. As the chief secretary, if she couldn't provide the boss with this information when needed, it would be too neglectful.
So, almost as soon as Roy posted the topic, Demi received a reminder and immediately collected comments from fans afterward. Now, it seemed that Roy's supportive statement wasn't a bad thing. It did create more anticipation for the movie among many people, thanks to his reminder.
However, when the boss found out, she just smiled as if she were very happy, without saying anything. What was going on?
"Do you want me to remind Roy not to make any more similar comments? After all, he's on the front line now, and whoever speaks up for her might also be cursed together. Didn't the company remind everyone not to get involved, whether they are actors or others?" The boss stood at the forefront of the storm. At this time, anyone speaking up for her might be criticized together. Didn't the company remind everyone not to get involved in this matter, whether they were actors or others?
But there was no one to say anything to Roy's side. People below thought that since he was the boss's boyfriend, it was the boss's responsibility to handle it. Laila, on the other hand, didn't even care about this matter and had no intention of reminding him. So, there was only Roy among the entire company who stood up for her.
But even if Roy were informed, he might still make the same choice. If he couldn't defend his beloved woman, what kind of boyfriend would he be?
"It's okay, let him speak. It should be no big deal." Laila waved her hand, indifferent.
"Okay." Demi shrugged. Since the boss didn't mind, then so be it.
However, after Leslie Cheung's cover was exposed, the situation did not ease after Roy's support. Instead, it seemed to intensify.
"Roy is Laila's boyfriend. Of course, he'll speak for her."
"No matter how powerful she was before, making many classic movies, it doesn't mean she won't have moments of failure."
"Who can guarantee that she won't fail this time? No director would casually cast an Eastern singer in such an important role, right?"
Not only did online comments become more intense, but even some media outlets began openly commenting and reporting on the matter. Initially, they had refrained from reporting, thinking that a few people boycotting a movie for such a silly reason, using the excuse of potential racial discrimination, was just too foolish.
But as the situation developed, with more and more people discussing the matter, various media outlets couldn't stay silent any longer. Some more radical boycotters even started wearing specially made T-shirts to protest on the streets, distributing flyers while also vehemently criticizing Laila herself.
This was escalating quickly!
Seeing the situation reach this point, how could the media let go of such a good topic that could bring them attention?