What many initially saw as a comforting gesture—Pascal gently holding Kirby’s hand—quickly morphed into something else on social media. On X (formerly Twitter), clips of the moment gained millions of views, transforming Pascal into the face of so-called “hot girl anxiety.”
The term plays on Pascal’s history of openly discussing his anxiety and how he uses physical touch to ground himself. In 2023, he told The Last of Us co-star Bella Ramsey that placing a hand on his chest or staying close to someone helps him manage anxiety in high-stress settings.
But online sentiment shifted. What began as wholesome praise turned into meme fodder, with users questioning why Pascal’s anxious behavior seemed to surface primarily around female co-stars. While some continued to celebrate his vulnerability, others began scrutinizing his actions, suggesting they might be performative or selectively applied.
Debate intensified, with some comments delving into more serious territory—raising concerns about personal boundaries and the implications of his gestures, regardless of intent or sexual orientation.
Adding clarity, Vanessa Kirby spoke out during the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con, saying, “He does have anxiety, and he’s been open about it… But the way he holds your hand or anchors you? That’s him being protective, not anxious.”
Memes
Commenting on the issue, one X user wrote, “When you know there’s something weird about Pedro Pascal but you can’t prove it.”
A Pascal fan backed him saying, “Nobody had an issue when Jonathan Bailey and Scarlett Johansson were making out on their press tour but Pedro Pascal is getting crucified for being affectionate to his co-star. Mind you, we don’t even know Pedro’s sexuality nor should we but women are comfortable around him.”
Pascal’s online appeal has long been tied to his reputation as a respectful, emotionally intelligent figure. From Game of Thrones to The Last of Us, his candid interviews and genuine demeanor have endeared him to fans. Yet, as internet culture often goes, adoration can quickly pivot to criticism. The rise of the “hot girl anxiety” meme may hint at a turning point in how audiences view Pascal—still beloved, but under closer scrutiny. Whether this shift is significant or just another moment in the internet’s endless celebrity cycle remains to be seen.
