Mary Jane's model hits back at overzealous Spider-Man fans

Stephanie Tyler Jones, known for her role as the model for Mary Jane in Insomniac Games' Spider-Man series, has publicly addressed an incident regarding fan harassment. Jones highlighted a particular occurrence where a fan left multiple voicemails at her workplace, an action she described as "unacceptable" and akin to stalking. These messages made her feel unsafe and uncomfortable, prompting her to issue a plea for privacy and respect for her current undertaking in the skincare industry. Jones warned that she would not entertain messages related to Spider-Man or Mary Jane, would block those who make her uncomfortable, and encouraged those disappointed to unfollow her.

Harassment in the videogame industry remains a prevalent issue, with significant segments of professionals, especially women and LGBTQ+ members, experiencing abuse. The Game Developers Conference's annual survey underscores that 91% of developers see player harassment as a problem.

What are some of the key issues related to fan harassment in the video game industry?

Key issues include unwelcome contact, privacy invasions, and a lack of respect for personal boundaries, all of which can lead to feelings of safety being compromised. The industry faces challenges in addressing these concerns, especially for women and LGBTQ+ individuals who are disproportionately affected.

Mary Jane Watson is a well-known character in the Spider-Man universe, not only appearing in video games but also in comics, films, and animated series. Insomniac Games' Spider-Man series has been critically acclaimed, featuring a storyline where Mary Jane is portrayed as an investigative journalist and Peter Parker's love interest. This depiction has brought the character into the spotlight of fandom, highlighting the personal impact that harassment can have on the individuals who bring these beloved characters to life.