The headline provided is sensational and appears to stem from unverified social media posts, clickbait headlines, and viral rumors circulating on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and YouTube in mid-2025. No credible mainstream news outlets (such as Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, or official statements from HBO, Isabela Merced, or Bella Ramsey) have confirmed any such accusation of intentional inappropriate touching or sexual harassment. Instead, reliable interviews from 2025 highlight a positive, collaborative, and comfortable working relationship between the two actresses during the filming of The Last of Us Season 2, particularly in intimate scenes between their characters Dina and Ellie.
“She Intentionally Touched My ‘There’”: Isabela Merced Denounces Bella Ramsey’s “Overzealous” Actions
In the fast-paced world of Hollywood, rumors can spread like wildfire, especially when they involve high-profile stars from a massively popular series like HBO’s The Last of Us. A viral claim surfaced in 2025 alleging that actress Isabela Merced accused her co-star Bella Ramsey of “overzealous” behavior, specifically stating, “She intentionally touched my ‘there’” in reference to an alleged inappropriate incident. This phrase, often sensationalized across social media, ignited debates among fans and critics alike.
The controversy appears to have originated from unverified posts on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, where anonymous accounts shared dramatic headlines without sourcing. These claims suggested sexual harassment during the production of The Last of Us Season 2, which premiered in early 2025 and featured Merced as Dina opposite Ramsey’s Ellie. However, no official complaint, lawsuit, or public statement from Merced has ever substantiated these allegations.
Merced and Ramsey’s on-screen chemistry as romantic partners Ellie and Dina was widely praised. In interviews with outlets like Them.us and Variety in May 2025, Merced spoke positively about their collaboration. She explained that both actresses drew from personal experiences in queer relationships to make intimate scenes feel authentic and tender. Merced noted they even added extra kisses and touches not in the original script, based on mutual comfort and trust.
This level of openness contrasted sharply with the later rumors. During filming, an intimacy coordinator was present on set, a standard practice in modern productions to ensure safety and consent. Merced described the process as respectful, emphasizing how their shared understanding elevated the portrayal of Ellie and Dina’s bond. Ramsey echoed similar sentiments in joint interviews, highlighting the “magical” and emotional nature of key moments, including their first kiss in Season 2, Episode 1.
The duo’s real-life friendship seemed to bolster their performances. Merced credited Ramsey for helping create a “secret language” during intense sequences, fostering a supportive environment. Behind-the-scenes anecdotes painted a picture of two professionals who bonded quickly, with no reported friction. In one ELLE UK feature, they reminisced fondly about filming the kiss scene, describing playback sessions where queer crew members were moved to tears.
Yet, the entertainment industry is no stranger to manufactured drama. The Last of Us Season 2 faced broader backlash, including criticism over casting, story changes, and perceived “woke” elements. Some online communities amplified negative narratives about Ramsey, who has long been a target due to her nonbinary identity and role as Ellie. The viral accusation against her may have been an extension of this polarized discourse, blending unrelated set anecdotes with exaggeration.
Experts in celebrity gossip note that such claims often emerge from clickbait sites or fan-driven content farms. YouTube videos titled things like “Isabela Merced EXPOSED Every Horrible Thing Bella Ramsey Did” or “Fans Shocked By Bella Ramsey Accusations!” garnered views by recycling unconfirmed rumors. These videos frequently lacked evidence, relying instead on dramatic thumbnails and speculative narration.
In contrast, credible reporting from 2025 focused on the actresses’ advocacy for better representation. Merced, who identifies as queer, discussed the importance of authentic queer stories in post-apocalyptic settings. Ramsey, openly nonbinary, has spoken about autism and gender identity, contributing to broader conversations. Their joint promotion emphasized empowerment rather than conflict.
The absence of any follow-up from Merced or her representatives further undermines the rumor. If a genuine incident had occurred, industry protocols—including HR involvement at HBO or public statements—would likely have surfaced. Instead, the story faded quickly from mainstream attention, surviving mainly in echo chambers on social media.
This episode highlights the dangers of misinformation in the digital age. A single provocative headline can damage reputations overnight, even without proof. Fans of both actresses urged caution, pointing to their documented mutual respect. Merced’s career continued to thrive post-Season 2, with roles in upcoming projects, while Ramsey remained a central figure in the franchise.
Ultimately, the alleged denunciation seems rooted in fabrication rather than fact. Hollywood thrives on narratives, but truth matters more than virality. Merced and Ramsey’s collaboration on The Last of Us stands as a testament to professional respect and artistic synergy, not scandal. As the industry evolves, separating rumor from reality remains essential for audiences and stars alike.