People magazine did something rare—deleted an article.
The now-pulled piece, which was a follow-up to Olivia Munn’s recent cover story, included her unfiltered thoughts on kids’ TV shows. The 44-year-old actress revealed she doesn’t let her kids — 3-year-old Malcolm and 8-month-old Méi, whom she shares with husband John Mulaney — watch Ms. Rachel. “I know kids love [her], but if I can’t watch it, I’m not going to spend the rest of my life going crazy,” Munn said. She also admitted that shows like Blue’s Clues and Spider-Man make her feel the same way.
The backlash was instant—and intense.
Fans of Ms. Rachel, aka Rachel Griffin Accurso, didn’t hold back online. Many saw Munn’s comments as more than just a parenting preference, interpreting them as a dig at a creator who has not only become a favorite among young viewers but has also recently gained praise for using her platform to speak out on behalf of children in Gaza.
Ms. Rachel didn’t stay silent amid the uproar—she addressed the controversy head-on in a now-deleted Instagram comment under People’s post, writing, “WHO CARES?! I’d rather you cover me advocating for kids in Gaza who are literally starving… do better!!! Not against [Munn] at all and don’t care that she doesn’t want to watch the show… disappointed in the outlets.”
Later, on her own account, the beloved internet star revealed she and Olivia Munn had spoken privately. “Please be kind to Olivia & her precious family,” she urged. “I don’t believe in hate, attacks or hurtful comments.”
Olivia Munn addressed the backlash on her Instagram Story, writing: “To Ms Rachel and your fans, I hear and respect the passion behind your support. I never anticipated the media would single out one small thing I said and distort it like they have… I don’t want something taken out of context to be a moment that steals even a minute of joy for anyone.”
John Mulaney, 42, also stepped in to defend his wife. “An innocent comment my wife Olivia Munn made about what children’s programs we like has somehow—unbelievably—been conflated with not caring about the deaths of children in Gaza,” he wrote. “Because of this, my wife and my two kids are now receiving violent and threatening comments… This kind of behavior isn’t activism.”
People magazine addressed the decision to take down the post in a statement, saying, “There is no excuse for these abhorrent attacks, and we will always prioritize safety above all else.”
Ms. Rachel, who has built a massive following with over 15 million YouTube subscribers, has consistently emphasized that her mission is rooted in helping children. “I will risk my career over and over to stand up for them,” she said in a recent interview with WBUR. “It’s all about the kids for me.”
