Ella Purnell explains why she turned off Instagram comments after viral turtle incident

Ella Purnell says she disabled Instagram comments after a viral misunderstanding over turtle photos backlash online

Ella Purnell has revealed why she chose to turn off comments on her Instagram account, citing a viral misunderstanding that made online engagement feel exhausting rather than enjoyable.

In a recent interview with Cosmopolitan UK, the actor explained that the decision followed an incident she now refers to as “turtlegate.”

According to Purnell, the situation began when she shared photos of baby turtles on Instagram. The post unexpectedly drew a wave of comments accusing her of eating the turtles, a claim she described as confusing and frustrating. What started as a lighthearted post quickly escalated into an online backlash, prompting her to reassess how much access she allows on social media.

turtlegate 😭😭😭😭😭 but anyways good for her pic.twitter.com/yZuptebBO6

— ❤️‍🩹 (@purnelldyer) December 15, 2025

“I can’t be fighting with people on the internet about eating turtles,” Purnell said, explaining that the experience highlighted how draining public comment sections can become. Following the incident, she decided to disable comments on her posts, except for promotional content, to protect her peace and mental well-being.

Purnell described the change as “so freeing,” noting that stepping back from constant online discourse allowed her to focus on her personal life and career without unnecessary stress. The Fallout star, who has been in the entertainment industry for more than two decades, said her life no longer revolves entirely around her work, and setting boundaries online has been part of that shift.

Her comments reflect a growing trend among celebrities who are limiting interaction on social media amid concerns over harassment, misinformation, and mental health. Many public figures have taken similar steps, including disabling comments or leaving platforms altogether.

Purnell’s experience underscores how quickly social media reactions can spiral, even from harmless posts, and why more celebrities are choosing control over constant visibility.