Why Do People Hate Ross Lynch?
Ross Lynch is an American actor, singer and musician who first gained fame as the lead singer of the pop rock band R5. He later went on to star as Austin Moon on the Disney Channel original series Austin & Ally.
While Lynch has many fans who adore him, he has also faced some backlash and hate from certain groups over the years. Here is an in-depth look at some of the key reasons why some people dislike Ross Lynch.
Why Do Some Disney Channel Fans Dislike Ross Lynch?
Ross Lynch’s rise to fame on Disney Channel properties like Austin & Ally and Teen Beach Movie led him to gain many young fans. However, it also led to some backlash within hardcore Disney Channel fandom circles.
Seen as Overexposed
During Lynch’s peak Disney Channel years between 2012-2015, he seemed to be everywhere. In addition to his starring role on Austin & Ally, he also had roles in other Disney original movies like Teen Beach Movie and appeared on shows like Violetta. Some fans felt he was being overexposed and pushed too heavily by the network.
Perceived as Arrogant
Some of Ross Lynch’s interviews and public appearances rubbed Disney fans the wrong way, leading to a perception that he was arrogant or cocky. For example, he made comments about receiving tons of female attention that some viewed as bragging.
Changed His Music Style
After R5’s first two albums featured more pop rock styles, the band transitioned to a more mainstream pop sound. This move away from rock disappointed some fans who preferred Lynch’s early musical identity.
Wasn’t Seen as “Authentic” Enough
As Lynch took on more Disney-packaged roles, some fans felt he was becoming less authentic and more manufactured as a star. They viewed him as a product of the Disney machine rather than an organic artist.
Why Do Some Movie/TV Fans Dislike Ross Lynch?
In addition to Disney Channel viewers, Ross Lynch has faced some detractors in the broader movie and TV fandom realms for various reasons.
Acting Skills Are Limited
As someone who got his start on a Disney sitcom, some assess Ross Lynch’s acting chops as limited compared to more seriously trained actors. His Disney work didn’t require very nuanced performances.
Perceived as Just Another Teen Heartthrob
Ross’ early roles in Disney original movies positioned him as a wholesome teen heartthrob. For fans looking for more depth and talent beyond a pretty face, Lynch can seem like just another superficial young actor.
Hasn’t Proved His Drama Chops
Unlike former teen stars like Zac Efron who have transitioned to more serious adult roles, Ross Lynch has yet to show significant dramatic acting range. He still seems like a lightweight Disney star to some.
Projects Lack Artistic Merit
The movies and shows Lynch has been in are viewed by some as formulaic teen entertainment lacking real depth and artistic merit. Starring in these projects hasn’t bolstered Lynch’s reputation as a “serious” actor.
Overshadowed by His Co-Stars
In projects like Austin & Ally and My Friend Dahmer, critics and fans argue that Lynch has often been overshadowed by more talented co-stars like Laura Marano and Ross’ brother Alex Pettyfer.
Why Do Some Music Fans Dislike Ross Lynch?
As both the frontman of R5 and a solo artist, Ross Lynch also faces detractors within the music world.
Songs Are Seen as Formulaic
Music critics point out that many of R5 and Ross Lynch’s songs follow predictable pop song formulas in terms of lyrics, structures, and arrangements. The music comes across as derivative and unoriginal to some.
Perceived as a Manufactured Artist
Between his packaged Disney image and the army of co-writers and producers on his songs, Ross is seen by some as a manufactured product of the music industry machine rather than an authentic solo artist.
Voice Is Critiqued As Weak
While Lynch has vocal supporters (no pun intended), others argue his thin, breathy voice lacks real power and emotive qualities. His limited vocal range makes the songs less interesting.
Abandoned Rock Music
R5 began positioning themselves as a rock band, leading rock music fans to accuse Lynch of selling out and going pop when the band’s style changed to mainstream pop. They felt betrayed by the musical 180.
Lacks Stage Presence
During some live performances, Ross Lynch has been criticized for awkward stage presence and limited audience engagement abilities compared to more seasoned live artists.
Do Age and Gender Play a Role in the Dislike of Ross Lynch?
Ross Lynch’s fame and success at a young age, along with his heartthrob status, seem to connect to age and gender dynamics that fuel some of the backlash against him.
Young Female Fans vs. Older Males
As an object of affection among teen and tween girls, Ross threatens older male critics who want to appear more serious or above Lynch’s lightweight teen appeal.
Younger Males Feeling Threatened
The handsome Lynch who gets a lot of female attention may also inspire jealousy and insecurity among boys his age or younger who don’t identify with his persona.
Contrast With More Rebellious Young Stars
Stars like Dylan Sprouse who lean into more “bad boy” images contrast with Lynch’s squeaky clean Disney star reputation, which some teens and adults find uncool.
Maturity Breeds Contempt for Youth Culture
As young stars age, they and their mature fans often develop contempt for the naive mainstream youth culture that once embraced stars like Lynch.
Does Racism and Bigotry Play Any Role?
Because Ross Lynch is a white male star frequently surrounded by female and more ethnically diverse co-stars, racism and misogyny could subtly influence some of the animosity toward him.
Backlash to Interracial Relationships
In Austin & Ally and Teen Beach Movie, Lynch’s characters have been romantically paired with women of color which may anger bigoted viewers.
Resentment of White Male Stardom
Lynch fits the archetype of the handsome young white male star, a privilege and power dynamic that rightfully raises questions for many fans and critics today.
Insecurity Regarding Traditional Gender Roles
As an object of female adoration, those who resent women’s empowerment may feel threatened by Lynch’s effeminate teen idol image that doesn’t fit traditional male gender roles.
Comparing Ross Lynch Over Time
Ross Lynch’s Acting Career
| Early Years | Peak Disney Fame | Post-Disney Career |
|---|---|---|
| Small TV guest roles | Austin & Ally lead (2011-2015) | Mostly independent films |
| Recurring role on Disney’s So Random! (2011) | Multiple Disney Channel original movies | Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-2020) |
| Teen Beach Movie (2013) | My Friend Dahmer (2017) | |
| The Letter for the King (2020 Netflix series) |
R5’s Musical Style Evolution
| First Albums | Peak Pop Years |
|---|---|
| Loud (2013) | Sometime Last Night (2015) |
| Louder (2014) | New Addictions (2016) |
| Pop rock sound | Shift to mainstream pop style |
Perceptions of Ross Lynch Over Time
| As a Rising Disney Star | Backlash Period | Current Standing |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesome teen idol image | Perceived as arrogant and overexposed | Has some loyal fans remaining |
| Massive popularity with young female fans | Viewed as manufactured and inauthentic | Seen as a lightweight actor by critics |
| Considered charming and talented | Criticized for abandoning rock music roots | Occasional TV and movie roles |
| Acting skills critiqued as limited | Pursuing indie music career |
Conclusion
In examining why Ross Lynch provokes negative reactions from some, a few key themes emerge. As a product of the Disney star machine, he triggers pushback about lack of authenticity.
His limited acting range and forays into generic pop music also understandably underwhelm serious critics and fans of film and rock music. Perceived arrogance has also caused a disconnect.
There also seem to be intriguing age, gender, and race dynamics at play in how certain demographics respond to his wholesome heartthrob image. Yet despite some backlash, Lynch maintains a passionate fanbase as well. Though not universally beloved, he will likely continue to have opportunities to evolve and develop his creative talents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Why People Dislike Ross Lynch
Here are answers to some common questions about why Ross Lynch faces dislike and backlash from certain groups:
Why do some people think Ross Lynch is a bad actor?
Some criticize Lynch’s acting because most of his major roles so far have been in Disney Channel properties aimed at young audiences rather than serious films or television. His performances are seen as lightweight and not very nuanced.
How has Ross Lynch’s music changed over time?
Early on with R5, Lynch and the band had more of a pop rock identity and sound. But their style shifted to more mainstream pop music over time, which disappointed some fans who preferred their rockier songs.
What are some examples of Ross Lynch displaying arrogance?
In some interviews early on, Lynch made comments about getting tons of female attention that rubbed people the wrong way as arrogant or cocky. He was also perceived as dissing other Disney stars.
How was Ross Lynch overexposed on Disney Channel?
In addition to starring on Austin & Ally for four seasons, Lynch appeared in multiple Disney Channel original movies like Teen Beach Movie during the same period. Fans saw him constantly on the channel.
Why did Ross Lynch’s relationship with a black actress receive backlash?
Some Disney fans reacted negatively and racially to Lynch’s Austin & Ally character being in a relationship with a black actress. There was similar backlash around the interracial relationships in Teen Beach Movie.
How has Ross Lynch struggled with stage presence?
Critics of live performances by Lynch with R5 and solo point to awkward stage presence, limited audience rapport, and stiff dance moves compared to more seasoned stage veterans.
What male stars contrast most sharply with Ross Lynch?
Stars like Dylan Sprouse who cultivate “bad boy” images contrast sharply with Lynch’s “good boy” Disney image. There is also contrast with stars known for serious dramatic acting chops.
How does Ross Lynch embody a stereotypical white male star image?
As a young handsome white male who gets many female-oriented roles, Lynch represents the historically dominant Hollywood dynamic of the white male star. Many are critical of this privilege now.
How has Lynch been overshadowed by co-stars?
In Austin & Ally, Laura Marano’s character and performance are often cited as stronger than Lynch’s. In films like My Friend Dahmer, Lynch’s performance was overshadowed by Alex Pettyfer playing Dahmer.
Why didn’t Lynch’s star power translate well to movies?
Unlike former Disney stars like Zac Efron who transitioned smoothly to successful film careers for adult audiences, Lynch has yet to find similar movie roles matching his talents.
How does maturity breed contempt for Lynch?
As Lynch and his initial young female fans grow up, they often develop contempt for the kind of shallow mainstream youth culture Lynch and Disney Channel represent.
