the frustrating dilemma of being a ben platt fan

[@princessbolden3111]

I’m still a fan , I feel like people started hating him as a trend. He has been problematic at times , but so has every other celebrity. Other celebs can say slurs , and people forgive them. But as people found out that Ben is a nepo baby , all of a sudden “he doesn’t deserve his awards, his dad made his career” , it Makes me upset. I’m a fan and I’m gonna always be a fan , until he does something that offends me.

[@xxShadowOfTheWolfxx]

I feel like people can have their own feelings about the DEH movie and have reasons to be upset, but what really pisses me off with the hate is going after his looks and his mannerism that is clearly caused by his anxiety. as a person with anxiety as well, it really makes me uncomfortable how openly people hate on someone just being awkward.

[@JosephNYC66]

The Politician was a disappointment??? I thought it was fantastic. I loved it. Wow, you sound like a fairweather friend. You only like him when you like the material he's performing. I am guessing you are not a true fan at all. I like about half of his solo material and it really irritates me how much he talks about his boy friend (who I can't stand) but I will always be a fan. I think his talen is tremendous.

[@Magpiesqwack]

I’m so happy I have a new Broadway KZbinr to watch!

[@josephlim6854]

Same! I just subscribed.

[@broadwaybestfriend]

Thank you for being here! 😊

[@mylittlepeonies8693]

I like Bens voice and some of his songs, thus far that’s the extent of my interest in him but I’m fascinated with how intensely, shall we say, people feel about him. None of us have any idea what he’s like as a person but he’s managed to tick almost every box of what the chronically online,internet brain rot, social media activism crowd deems as unacceptable. If we’re all honest with ourselves the nepotism debate is absolutely ridiculous and I think that’s why people are so triggered by him not playing along. It’s not about a conversation about how our society works, it’s about exerting power over those they think are above them and in the public eye bc people want to see the public downfall, the feeling of community of dragging someone down together. By not bending to their will and confirming in their minds that his success wouldn’t have been possible without his dads position in the industry people had to entertain the thought that talent did play a part in it but they can’t have that in their echo chamber where they are the victim who suffers at the hands of a world so unfair even though they’re probably doing alright for themselves in the grand scheme of things. It’s honestly funny how pissed people got that he was pissed and defended himself, as if that wasn’t to be expected when you’re facing a social media hate train aimed at discrediting your talent. They poke the bear until the claws come out and then clutch their pearls lol. People also forget that in the day and age of social media, if you don’t like someone, you can just keep scrolling. Just because you can scream into the void that you don’t doesn’t mean you have to. Your opinions are not facts, you’re intentionally risking causing harm to a stranger to get something out of it

[@Daniel-ed9gn]

We’ve had a relatively similar journey as I became a Ben fan from pitch perfect and a major fan after seeing him in DEH at Arena. Because I’m also from the DC area, I was at the same show at the Anthem as well as his recent Wolf Trap show. I also saw him in DEH on Broadway and in Parade. I fell out of it slightly for a while after the DEH movie and reverie (which has grown on me, but I didn’t love on release), but I always considered myself a fan. Parade and Theatre Camp really revitalized my love for him. He has said a couple things I haven’t loved, and I don’t think he’s done a great job of handling the nepo baby stuff, but overall I am very impressed by almost all of his work and have consistently heard positive stories from people who have met and worked with him. In my opinion, he is imperfect but very overhated. It can be hard to be a fan of his because so many people whose only knowledge of him is a couple quotes and the DEH movie hate him so much.

[@broadwaybestfriend]

I ended up going to the Wolf Trap show too. Loved his vocals and it was a great reminder of his talent. Definitely curious what's next for him

[@drama_doctor]

The concert is END OF MAY OR EARLY JUNE?! Is that on purpose?! 😅

[@broadwaybestfriend]

Ha maybe!

[@iamastick0]

Oh my gosh how did I not notice that

[@clzzz2719]

I still think he deserved that Tony in 2017- DEH might have a controversial plot line and questionable decisions in making the movie, but it was his (and many others') convincing performance that made it seem like it would work for many years. He is, also, still an incredible vocalist/actor and I loved his Cunningham and Leo Frank. The nepotism and the speech about it? Not good, but sometimes I just wanted to say these are not reasons to suddenly change your opinion about his *performance*.

[@lma8138]

Hi, I just wanted to comment that I am a 10/10 Ben Platt fan in all his stages whether is theater, television, movies and music, and if I had the opportunity to go see him at The Palace in Nyc I would go, but the closest I can see him is in Dallas Texas, so I already have my meet and greet tickets and I am very excited,I think that if you are going to be on those dates in Nyc take advantage and see him at The Palace, it seems to me that it will be one of those unforgettable experiences and if you really enjoyed it you can see him again in DC. Greeetings 🤗

[@broadwaybestfriend]

That's awesome you will be going to his concert in Dallas and going to his meet and greet have fun!

[@melodramaboy]

This is bizarre. You’re either a fan of someone or you’re not. You’re prevaricating all the time. And the fact you let social media hate affect your opinion of him is woeful. The whole ‘nepo baby’ this ridiculous. It can be applied to anyone whose parent gives them a helping hand into the same profession. As for his Palace engagement, I’ve heard only wonderful things about his performance and the special guest line-up has been amazing. I noticed you even gave a ❤ to one of the highly critical comments about Ben, which suggests you’re really not a fan. If you don’t like a performer, fine, but why denigrate them with such vitriol and hate ( I’m referring generally, not to you). I just don’t get this senseless need to spew such ugliness. Anyway, I love the new album and admire him a great deal. Just wish he’d come to Australia!

[@ForestExpertise]

The Nepo Baby claim is just ridiculous, Ben has put in the work and the effort in singing and acting to get to where he is today. It's not like singing and acting lessons are going to make you successful if you don't put in the effort. People are undermining the time and effort that he has put in and it's just not fair...

[@LunaSecco]

I became a fan during the deh era, just by listening to the cast recording and finding out what the show was about. I fell in love with his wonderful voice and overall talent. To be honest, especially listening to this video from a very different perspective of someone who lives far away from the US and any possible Ben Platt concert destination, I disagree with the concept of "fan" you are giving here. From my experience, being a fan goes beyond each project an artist releases or is a part of. For example, I didn't love "The politician", it's not my kind of show, but that never made feel less of an admirer of Ben. And it goes beyond seeing him live, because for some it may be just another concert, but for me (living in latam) it's a once in a lifetime experience, so wherever you are in the world, I think you shouldn't take for granted the opportunity of seeing amazing performers like Ben live. For me, the most important thing is that Ben inspires me as a singer, moves me with his music and his voice, whaether I see or like each of his projects or not.

[@BasicallyBaconSandvichIV]

May I ask who Ben Platt is? And why is his name (in Dutch) "Is flatt"?

[@shanleenkinnjaskey2419]

The most enjoyable thing about the Politician was the theme song! And introducing me to the aong "Vienna." That's it.

[@broadwaybestfriend]

I forgot about the theme song!

[@kat.k5321]

I’ve definitely had my reservations about Ben and he gives me the ick at times, but I was really blown away by his performance in Parade. His voice is so stunning live!

[@broadwaybestfriend]

I was blown away by him in Parade too!

[@sueallen1945]

Every actor/singer has ups and downs in their career. I’ve always been 100% a fan of Ben Platt. His talent is astronomical. I saw him live for the Reverie and Honeymind tours and his song writing skill has really developed beautifully. His duets have been incredible, too. The only time my opinion of an actor/singer changes is if I find out they are aholes in real life, and Ben doesn’t fit that mold.

[@broadwaymike92]

Just got back from seeing Ben's Palace Theater show!!! He was fantastic!!! Awesome energy. I love his presence. Been a fan for a while. When I saw DEAR EVAN HANSEN, he was still in the show but was out. Saw Michael Lee Brown go on. Still slayed. Later would see Ben in PARADE (2nd Preview) which he blew me away. Also I did get to meet him once. I was in the 50th Anniversary concert of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at Lincoln Center with his partner Noah Galvin. He came backstage afterwards. So nice. So crowded by the stage door, his team were taking him out another way. But he was so nice!!! Ben's been lately a major musical idol of mine!!! Want to have all the success as him. I want to be the next Ben Platt!!!

[@broadwaybestfriend]

Amazing to hear about his Palace Theatre show! It's been fun to see what guests he has had so far. And so amazing you've met him before!

[@DJGNYC]

This was just great…watched the whole thing. I’m a fan with reservations as well. Terrific job!

[@broadwaybestfriend]

Thank you! 😊

[@eyalich]

Great video! I feel similarly about Ben and I'm hoping to get tickets to see him at the Palace

[@broadwaybestfriend]

Nice I hope you enjoy his Palace performance!

[@mwmheps]

This is such a good video topic!! I do think he does inspire a particularly conflicting and unique set of emotions somehow… Like I would kinda say I’m a fan because I do really his voice and the music of his that I know and especially his Broadway performances, but I feel like I feel less comfortable considering myself a fan for some reason than with several other Broadway actors that I like? It’s a strange one. Even though I think he does end up being misrepresented by a lot of criticism against him he also never quite redeems himself except through the strength of his stage performances. I have had a similar journey I feel though was never quite as big a fan I think. I liked him a lot in Pitch Perfect but I was very much a Great Comet girlie in the 2017 race, though I was rooting for him for Best Actor. Then I absolutely adored Parade last year and his performance in particular (though also wasn’t bothered by him not winning, that time I was more thrilled about them winning revival and director). I am seeing the opening night of his residency as I happened to be in New York that week and thought it was a fun way to tick off the Palace which I haven’t been to but yeah. It’s a hard to explain vibe. I feel similarly about stage dooring as you mentioned too. Great video!

[@broadwaybestfriend]

Yes exactly about feeling less comfortable being an outspoken fan of his despite enjoying his Parade performance. And agreed that he never quite redeems himself. That's awesome you are going to opening night of his residency enjoy!

[@josephlim6854]

@27:56 I know how you feel. Ben has a certain je ne sais quoi when seeing him live onstage. I've seen DEH with Ben Platt and somehow his interpretation of Evan Hansen always get me to tears (and yes I've seen other actors perform as Evan.) @29:30 even for DEH Ben didn't really stage door that much later in his run (he would stage door maybe 1-2x a week?) @33:45 its' ok. Back in May 2017, I recall doing standing room line for DEH and that line started really early in the morning! @37:33 smart.... I have a feeling they won't allow people recording the concert in the Palace Theater whereas when he goes on tour it'll most likely be just like other concerts where people can record the performance.

[@broadwaybestfriend]

Ooh I didn't think about the recording thing for Palace vs tour. Definitely leaning towards tour then. I had forgotten how much he did/didn't stagedoor in the DEH days and how chaotic the standing room line ended up getting!

[@ivbwatchwithme8501]

Dang I learned so much from this! I've been a fan of his since the Pitch Perfect days and a dude proposed to his girlfriend right in front of me as Ben was singing Grow as We Go at the Hollywood Bowl in 2022 for the Reverie tour. I've been saying since high school that Ben is my baby daddy and that his voice can get me pregnant. Baby bi thinggggggs. But yeah, I love him. I'd say I'm at a decent 8/10. I haven't seen the DEH movie, but that show means a whole lot to me. You will be found was even my first tattoo!

[@broadwaybestfriend]

Whoa that's so cool about your Reverie tour experience and your first tattoo!

[@sophieamandaleitontoomey9343]

Personally after the whole arrogant monologue when he said the DEH movie would never have been made without him, I was officially done with him.

[@broadwaybestfriend]

That was not a good look for him!

[@ThorTwinkle]

I never cared for him but this was such an interesting video! I have to agree that lately he seems to be mostly hated online. I can understand why people side eye him for the Dear Evan Hansen movie mess but the last time I heard of him it was last week when he went at the Met with his husband and a lot of people were making fun of their looks because they seem twins. So needlessly cruel.

[@broadwaybestfriend]

Yes I saw the negative comments about the Met gala too and it seems he is consistently receiving negative comments online regardless of if it is Broadway related

[@JDDoyle-yr4jm]

an interesting approach, i too have seem my fandom of Ben waver, not helped by the Politician or the movie, egad that awful hair, and also being too old for the roll now. But I've been buying his CDs and was quite taken by "Andrew" so we shall see....

[@broadwaybestfriend]

Hoping I end up liking Honeymind as a whole just like I liked Andrew

[@lester10023]

Skip Ben Platt, see STEREOPHONIC and ILLINOISE. I appreciate you, BFF.

[@broadwaybestfriend]

I want to try to prioritize both of these! Maybe I will see Illinoise over Suffs in June

[@onlopine]

You’re still in Stan culture sorry. For you to say that 8/10 is not love. Of course it is. These validations from fandoms is the basis for stan culture. You need to love unconditionally, not skip any songs, buy all the merch, the target edition,don’t criticize. Love him in your own way. Even if your way is in the past.

[@broadwaybestfriend]

Good point about the unrealistic expectations that fandoms set

[@fairamir1]

I just want him to go away. Most over rated " talent" on Broadway.

[@mylittlepeonies8693]

He ain’t so get used to it

[@ForestExpertise]

He literally won a Tony award for his role in DEH, he is talented