Daisy Ridley quits Instagram after receiving backlash

Daisy Ridley has deactivated her Instagram account after receiving criticism over a post she wrote about gun violence.

The Star Wars: The Force Awakens star attended the Teen Choice Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday (31Jul16), where she witnessed a poignant tribute to those who had lost their lives in shootings across the United States. The segment was lead by Jessica Alba, who was joined by teens who have been affected by the tragedies.

Daisy took to Instagram to describe how the tribute affected her, writing, "Thinking about how lucky I am like......... Serious bit: as I sat in the audience yesterday tears were streaming down my face at the tribute to those that have been lost to gun violence. I didn't get a great picture of the incredible group that came on stage but they were so brave. It was a true moment of togetherness. We must ‪#‎stoptheviolence.‬"

Daisy received criticism from users who blasted her for wading into political matters and for preaching about gun violence when she uses weapons onscreen in Star Wars. It is not known if she has merely deactivated, or fully deleted, her account.

Her co-star John Boyega also responded to fans on Instagram who asked him to encourage Daisy to come back.

"She's doing what's best for her. I won't be advising my friend to come back. Sorry," he wrote on the social media website, adding, "She makes her own decisions and as a friend I support her right to."

Daisy was a frequent user of the site and regularly shared videos of her workouts and fight training for Star Wars. She also used the platform to talk about issues with her skin and her battle with endometriosis and polycystic ovaries.

She also hit back at body shamers who criticized her slim frame, writing, "I will not apologize for how I look, what I say and how I live my life cause what's happening inside is much more important anyway and I am striving to be the best version of myself, even if I stumble along the way."