Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
Heated Rivalry star Hudson Williams’ controversial past has been thrust into the spotlight after a photo seemingly showing the actor with a swastika on his forehead resurfaced online.
The 25-year-old Canadian shot to fame in 2025 following his breakout role as Shane Hollander in the HBO Max hockey romance drama alongside Connor Storrie who plays Ilya Rozanov.
The rising star is making global headlines again after a photo from his high school days showed him posing with a swastika scribbled on his face in black ink.
Sources close to the star told TMZ the image was from an annual teenage “campout” tradition that involves partying and covering each other’s shirts and bodies with Sharpie drawings.
The publication reports Williams was unaware of what was been drawn on his face at the time with a friend telling TMZ “the markings do not and have never reflected Hudson’s beliefs, values or character”.
Sources said Williams “understands the hurt and disappointment the photo has caused and deeply regrets it”, TMZ reported.
He also “does not condone or support the offensive markings that were drawn on him and recognises the seriousness of the symbol”, according to a source.
After the image circulated on X, users slammed the actor with one person saying celebrities need to be held accountable for their actions.
“How exactly was he unaware when it was clear on his forehead,” one user said.
Another said: “And what about his friend cosplaying as Hitler or them having AIDS written all over them.Was he walking around the party with his eyes close.”
“Teens have common sense, y’all need to stop trying to excuse stuff as ‘teenage stupidity’ for these celebrities and hold them accountable,” a third added.
However his fans came to his defence and supported Williams for his “mistake”.
“The real crime is how fast the internet turns teenage stupidity into lifelong headlines,” one user said.
Another said: “This is such a f…ing non story. Your actions as a silly teenager don’t define you. Hudson doesn’t owe anyone any kind of explanation or apologies. My god, if the entire internet had their teenage years hung out then nobody would get anything done.”
“Teenagers make mistakes,” a third added.
Before landing his role in the unexpected viral show, he studied acting at Langara College, worked as a restaurant server in Vancouver, and appeared in smaller projects while writing and directing short films.
PerthNow has contacted Williams’ representative for comment.
