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Daisy Ridley quits Instagram after backlash from followers

By Sarah Mulé
Daisy Ridley arrives on the red carpet for the 88th Academy Awards on February 28, 2016. Ridley deleted her Instagram account following backlash on a post speaking out against gun violence. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
1 of 3 | Daisy Ridley arrives on the red carpet for the 88th Academy Awards on February 28, 2016. Ridley deleted her Instagram account following backlash on a post speaking out against gun violence. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Star Wars star Daisy Ridley deleted her Instagram account in the wake of negative backlash over her post supporting the Teen Choice Awards tribute to those lost to gun violence.

"As I sat in the audience yesterday tears were streaming down my face at the tribute to those that have been lost to gun violence," she posted to Instagram on Monday. "I didn't get a great picture of the incredible group that came onstage but they were so brave. It was a true moment of togetherness. We must #stoptheviolence."

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Ridley shared the same message on her Facebook account, but has since deleted it – and Instagram altogether.

Reactions from fans were overwhelmingly negative, citing Ridley's British nationality and her use of weapons in Star Wars: The Force Awakens as reasons why her opinion wasn't welcome.

Ridley reportedly reactivated her Instagram to post a message explaining why she deleted her account which boasted 2.3 million followers.

"I just want to be on my phone less," she said. "Trying to be more present and all that and got a busy few months ahead so wanted less distractions... It's all good!"

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