On a poignant anniversary, Zelda Williams, daughter of the late Robin Williams, responded sharply to misinformation spreading on social media.
Zelda Williams refuted viral claims on social media that her father owned a pet monkey, emphasizing the importance of not keeping exotic pets, New York Post reported.
Zelda's reaction came following a post shared by Time Capsule Tales on X, formerly known as Twitter, which depicted the beloved comedian with a monkey perched on his shoulder. This led to widespread speculation and romanticized stories about Williams supposedly owning a pet monkey.
However, Zelda clarified on Sunday that the animal in the photo was Crystal, a well-known capuchin monkey from the "Night at the Museum" film in wherein Robin Williams starred. The photo was snapped on his 63rd birthday, dated July 21, 2014, adding a personal touch to her refutation.
Zelda's intent was straightforward: to correct the misleading narrative about the monkey being a personal pet and discourage the idea of exotic pet ownership, a stance she ardently supports.
Further emphasizing her point, Zelda Williams tweeted that the ownership of exotic pets like monkeys should be vehemently discouraged. Instead, she suggested that those interested should support local animal rescues dedicated to exotic species.
"Dad didn’t own a pet monkey; NO ONE should, and if you’re ever tempted to, support your local exotic animal rescues instead," Zelda passionately stated, refocusing public attention on animal welfare rather than sensationalism.
The urgency of her message reflects a broader concern about how easily misinformation can spread, particularly on significant dates like the anniversary of her father's death.
Robin Williams, a revered figure in comedy and cinema, passed away by suicide on August 11, 2014, following struggles with anxiety, depression, Parkinson’s disease, and a later diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia. These health challenges shadowed the actor's vibrant film and television career.
In response to online falsehoods and the potential misuse of her father's image, Zelda previously expressed concerns regarding AI technology's role in recreating likenesses of deceased public figures. "I am not an impartial voice in SAG’s fight against AI," she remarked last year, indicating her ongoing advocacy efforts within the Screen Actors Guild.
Last year's statements tie into Zelda's broader discomfort with the online narratives that swirl around her father's legacy, leading to misguided or outright false claims.
Zelda herself has found a place in Hollywood as a director, steering clear of the acting path that her father dominated. In 2024, she launched her directorial debut with the feature-length film "Lisa Frankenstein," cementing her developing career behind the camera.
Her choice to direct rather than act stems from an eagerness to avoid inevitable comparisons to her father. "Being behind the camera became a much less self-conscious place than being in front of it," she explained, highlighting a personal journey toward self-definition separate from her father's towering legacy.
Her perspective and work underscore a shift in her approach to both her career and how she handles public conversations about her family's history, particularly in the digital age.
As technology evolves and the line between fact and fiction blurs, Zelda Williams remains a vigilant steward of her father Robin Williams' legacy. She encourages critical assessment of viral content, especially that which distorts the truths about those no longer able to speak for themselves. By directing her first feature film and actively engaging in discussions about public responsibility and animal welfare, Zelda shapes not only her future but also honors her father's multifaceted legacy. As misunderstandings arise, she stands ready to set the record straight and advocate for greater integrity in the digital landscape.
