Walking Dead actor Josh McDermitt quits social media over online abuse

Walking Dead actor Josh McDermitt has quit social media after receiving death threats from fans of the show.

His character Eugene has angered some fans after his alliance with villain Negan, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

The 38-year-old deleted his Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages after holding a Facebook Live when the season seven finale aired.

"When you start saying you hope I die, I don't know if you're talking about Josh or Eugene," he said.

"Just stop complaining about everything on the internet.

"Just go spend time with your family or friends or loved ones. I love you guys."

Josh McDermitt joined in the fourth season of the show and his character has been described as a "socially-awkward genius."

However, it seems Eugene has joined ranks against its hero Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln.

Fans were quick to come to his defence, saying that people need to separate actors from their characters.

This user expressed their frustration over the situations.

This user posted part of Josh McDermitt's Facebook Live - we can't embed it in this article because it contains swearing.

And this user showed their support for the actor.

Josh McDermitt isn't the only actor from The Walking Dead to receive hate online.

Alanna Masterson, who plays Tara Chambler, posted a message on Instagram after she received comments about her weight.

Season eight of The Walking Dead is expected to premiere this October.

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