The daughter of Luke Perry has hit back at social media users who claimed she appeared happy in the days following her father’s death. Perry died on March 4.
Sophie Perry, 18, took to Instagram to slam the critics.
“Since my dad died I have received a lot of attention online. And most of it has been positive but of course, some people just can’t be nice. And I’m here to say that I did not ask for this attention, I did not ask to be thrown into some virtual spotlight, and while I don’t mean to offend anybody, I’m also not going to cater to anyone else’s needs and beliefs. I’m 18. I swear like a sailor and sometimes I dress like a hooker. And I support causes and you may not. And most importantly. I am going to laugh and smile and live my normal life,” she wrote.
“I am hurt and sad and crying and beside myself with what happened to my dad. It’s the worst thing to ever happen in my life. And I am torn the [expletive] up over it. But I’m not going to sit in my room and cry day in and day out until the internet has deemed it appropriate for me to do otherwise.”
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Perry said her father would have wanted her to continue living her life.
She said it was “disgusting” how some users were trying to shame her for her language, her wardrobe, and her grieving process.
Perry was in Malawi when her father suffered a stroke, rushing back to the United States to be at his bedside. He passed away with a slew of family and friends nearby, including Sophie and her brother Jack Perry.
She posted on Instagram after the death, sharing a picture of her and her father.
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“A lot has happened in this past week for me. Everything is happening so fast. I made it back from Malawi just in time to be here with my family, And in the past 24 hours I have received an overwhelming amount of love and support. I cannot individually respond to the hundreds of beautiful and heartfelt messages, but I see them and appreciate you all for sending positivity to my family and I,” she said.
“I’m not really sure what to say or do in this situation, it’s something you aren’t ever given a lesson on how to handle, especially when it’s all happening in the public eye. So bear with me and know that I am grateful for all the love. Just, being grateful quietly.”
About a week after the death, Jack Perry spoke out, saying his father supported and inspired him.
Luke Perry’s fiancée, Madison Bauer, was also at Perry’s side when he died.
Several days after Perry’s death, Bauer issued a public statement.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone for the outpouring of love and support. The countless, heartwarming stories of Luke’s generosity and kindness have been a great source of solace during this difficult time,” she said in a statement obtained by Entertainment Tonight.
“The past 11 and a half years with Luke were the happiest years of my life, and I am grateful to have had that time with him. I also want to thank his children, family, and friends for their love and support. We have found comfort in one another and in the knowledge that our lives were touched by an extraordinary man. He will be dearly missed.”
