Hudson Williams reportedly deeply regrets a photo of himself with a swastika drawn on his face that resurfaced on social media over the weekend.
In a photo circulating on X that appears to have been taken years ago, the “Heated Rivalry” star is seen with a group of friends wearing blue shirts with pictures on them. His face still bears marks drawn with black marker, including a swastika on his forehead.
A source close to Williams told TMZ that the photo was taken when the 25-year-old Canadian actor was still in high school and participating in the annual “campout” tradition, where underage teens often drink, laugh and draw on each other’s shirts and bodies for shocking reactions.
The newspaper said Williams had “no idea” what was painted on her face at the time the photo was taken, but said she understood it was “completely unacceptable”.
Officials added that he “deeply regrets” the photo and “understands the hurt and disappointment” it has caused, noting that he does not actually condone or support the painting.
“Traces did not and still do not reflect Hudson’s beliefs, values, or character,” one of his friends told TMZ.
Page Six reached out to Williams’ representatives, but did not immediately receive a response.
Williams shot to fame playing Shane Hollander in Crave’s “Heat Rivalry,” a queer hockey romance based on the book by author Rachel Reid.
During an appearance on “Andy Cohen Live” in January, Williams was asked about people peeking into his private life.
“See what I said, I don’t care…I’m pretty cool about it,” he said. “In terms of surprising level, I would give it a 2 out of 10.”
“Some people might have a crazy reaction to it, but they can still participate in the hike, because the only people who have a healthy reaction are the ones I care about and respect in terms of having a developed frontal association cortex.”
In March, several of his “Rivals” co-stars, including Francois Arnault, who received death threats over his alleged relationship with co-star Connor Story, posted a joint message to hit back at some of the harmful messages from the fervent “Rivals” fandom.
“If you share racist, homophobic, biphobic, misogynistic, ageist, ableist, antisocial, bigoted comments, please don’t call yourself a fan. None of us need your hateful ‘love’,” the message read.
“We all respect, support and love each other and are on the same side even if you can’t accept that GTFOH,” the message continued.
