Cruel trolls target Christian Wilkins as he celebrates the launch of his first children’s book about a boy who likes to wear a dress
Cruel trolls target Christian Wilkins as he celebrates the launch of his first children’s book about a boy who likes to wear a dress
Christian Wilkins has been attacked by vile online trolls as he celebrated the launch of his first children’s book.
The Dancing with the Stars alum, 28, stole the show in a figure-hugging Jean Paul Gaultier floral ensemble as he hammed it up for the cameras with famous friends, including Karl Stefanovic, at the launch of his new book Princess Mitchell in Sydney on Tuesday.
The book is about a boy named Mitchell who likes to play football.
He also loves being a princess and “likes to wear a tutu over his uniform.”
Publisher Simon and Schuster call it ‘a heartwarming story about making friends, celebrating differences and embracing who you are’.
Wilkins added, “At the heart of this book is community and acceptance, and I feel so lucky to have the most amazing support around me.”
The aspiring actor and social media influencer, the son of veteran Nine entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins, recently returned from a brief stint in LA, where he struggled to find work during the Writers Guild of America’s five-month strike that shut down Hollywood.
Despite being showered with nothing but love and support at the launch, keyboard warriors fired off vicious comments online after Wilkins appeared on ABC’s Radio National program to promote Princess Mitchell.
Christian Wilkins (left) celebrated the launch of his new children’s book on Tuesday. He is pictured with Sky News Australia presenter Gabrielle Power (right)
Cruel trolls quickly accused Wilkins of being a nepo baby, a term referring to children of celebrities who have built careers similar to those of their parents.
‘I don’t know what it is, but I just never warmed to him. I think it has more to do with you hating fake babies of pretty talentless people than anything else,” one person wrote.
Another said: ‘Can we put to bed once and for all, that ‘social media influencer’ is NOT a job.’
A third added: “Nepo baby. How humiliated has ‘Our ABC’ become in its search for clicks.’
However, Wilkins has also been inundated with messages of support from famous friends as he spread the book on his social media, including Leila McKinnon, former MAFS star Cameron Merchant, Erin Holland and Home and Away actress Emily Symons.
Some keyboard warriors targeted cruel comments about Christian’s new children’s book about a boy who loves being a princess
Today presenter Karl Stefanovic attended the launch with wife Jasmine and daughter Harper (all pictured with Christian Wilkins)
“Amazing,” commented former AFL star Dani Laidley.
Chloe Latanzzi, daughter of late Australian legend Olivia Newton-John, added: “Congratulations on your creativity and your beautiful family. Thank you for your special spirit and I am working on my own book and you have inspired me even more to tell my story.”
Today entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins supported his son at the launch
Celebrity gardener Jamie Durie attended Wilkins’ launch of Princess Mitchell