Noah Wyle has addressed the hostile online reaction to his “The Pitt” character, Dr Michael “Robby” Robinavitch, after Season 2 showed him acting harshly towards colleagues during a mental health crisis. He argues that some viewers have blurred the distinction between actor, character and creative intent, while stressing that the storyline was meant to portray a desperate person behaving out of character rather than endorse cruelty.

Wyle said he avoids negative online discussion because he feels too sensitive to engage with it, relying partly on his son to alert him when reactions become particularly intense. He believes the backlash came from viewers’ disappointment that Robby was less heroic than in the first season, and said some interpreted the character’s behaviour as misogynistic rather than part of a broader depiction of psychological distress; Wyle is nominated for three Emmys this year.