Adult model blasted for asking ‘Stranger Things’ boy, Finn Wolfhard, 14, to ‘hit her up’ in four years

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A model, age 27, is catching heat after asking Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard to “hit her up” in four years, the Independent reported.

The Texas model, Ali Michael, reportedly posted an image of the child star with the caption on Instagram.

“Not to be weird but hit me up in 4 years @finnwolfhardofficial.”

The model has been widely criticized for the post which she later deleted. There is a 13-year gap between Michael and the child star. Many described the comments as disgusting, with some accusing Michael of “sexualizing” children.

Jumping to her defense, some fans of Michael’s reportedly described the model’s comment as a ‘joke.’

Several posts commented if the statement had been made by a man he would have received much different treatment.

“… and if the roles were reversed and a 27y/o man said this about a 14 y/o people would be dragging him, but since she’s a girl it’s ok? Wtf,” read one tweet.

“If a man messaged a 14 y/o girl with the same message would you be seeing it as a joke? Discuss,” read another tweet.

Michael took once again to Instagram saying it was “completely absolutely a joke.”

“Hi, Yesterday I posted a picture of Mike from Stranger Things and wrote ‘Call me in 4 years.’ It was completely and absolutely a joke but I understand that people have been offended by it… It was wrong to joke about and I apologize. I do not want Mike from Stranger Things to call me. I hope this clears things up,’ wrote Michael in a post.

“On October 30th, I posted an Instagram Story with a photo of Finn Wolfhard who plays “Mike” in Stranger Things asking him to, ‘call me in four years.’ ‘The general nature of my social media platforms is often one of humor, sarcasm and playful self-deprecation. I often quote, post and publicly respond to music videos, films, documentaries and television shows in a frank and candid manner.”

“The nature of my posts in response to television and media are always tongue-in-cheek and never intended to mislead or upset anyone. In the past, I have asked fictitious characters of films to call me (namely Edward Scissorhands and Simba from the Lion King).”

“In this instance, it has become clear to me that asking a character ‘to call in four years’ and inappropriately tagging the underage actor who plays the character (Mike) was upsetting, suggestive and concerning for my audience,” Michael adds.

“It was never my intention (nor has it ever been) to sexualize a minor in any way shape or form. To those I offended or misled, I apologize for a post made in haste and lacking in sensitivity, particularly considering the landscape of the present culture,” Michael said in a statement to Teen Vogue.

The comments came a week after, Tyler Grasham, Finn’s former agent with APA talent agency, was fired amid several allegations of sexual assault. The APA talent agency later terminated Grasham after more accusations of misconduct by other male actors and filmmakers surfaced. Finn reportedly left the company and his agent after the claims surfaced.

Michael made headlines in 2008 when she was kicked out of the Paris Fashion Week after being called “fat” for gaining five pounds, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Since then, Michael has evolved as an outspoken critic of the fashion industry’s strict beauty standards. She has been outspoken about her challenges with eating disorders.

Finn Wolfhard’s team has not yet come out with an official statement about the situation.

[Feature Photo: AP/ Jordan Strauss/Invision]