AsLuke Perry‘s daughter grievesher father’s death, she’s also continuing to celebrate life — just as he would have wanted her to.
In a candid social media post on Monday,Sophie Perryrevealed that in the wake of her dad’s death one week ago, she has faced criticism from Internet trolls that have shamed her for her language, wardrobe and “grieving process.”
“Since my dad died I have received a lot of attention online. And most of it has been positive but of course, some people just can’t be nice,” Sophie began her Instagram post, which she wrote alongside a selfie. “And I’m here to say that I did not ask for this attention, I did not ask to be thrown into some virtual spotlight, and while I don’t mean to offend anybody, I’m also not going to cater to any one else’s needs and beliefs.”
Said the teenager, “I’m 18. I swear like a sailor and sometimes I dress like a hooker. And I support causes and you may not. And most importantly. I am going to laugh and smile and live my normal life.”
Although Sophie said that she is mourning in private, she’s not allowing her father’s loss to prevent her from embracing the present.
“YES I am hurt and sad and crying and beside myself with what happened to my dad. It’s the worst thing to ever happen in my life. And I am torn the f— up over it. But I’m not going to sit in my room and cry day in and day out until the internet has deemed it appropriate for me to do otherwise,” said Sophie.
“And if you knew my dad you would know he wouldnt want me to. So you shouldn’t either,” she continued.
Sophie concluded, “So to those of you shaming me for my language and my wardrobe and most disgustingly, my grieving process, do us both the favor and just unfollow. It’s a waste of both of your time.”
Last week, Luke’s rep confirmed that theBeverly Hills, 90210actor had died at age 52.
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Luke was hospitalized after suffering a stroke on Feb. 27 after paramedics were dispatched to his home in Sherman Oaks, California. A source told PEOPLE henever regained consciousness.
The actor remained “under observation” for five days but died on Monday, March 4.
One day after his death,Sophie spoke outabout losing her father.
“A lot has happened in this past week for me,” she captioned her Instagram post of the father and daughter. “Everything is happening so fast. I made it back from Malawi just in time to be here with my family, And in the past 24 hours I have received an overwhelming amount of love and support.”
“I cannot individually respond to the hundreds of beautiful and heartfelt messages, but I see them, and appreciate you all for sending positivity to my family and I,” she continued. “I’m not really sure what to say or do in this situation, it’s something you aren’t ever given a lesson on how to handle, especially when it’s all happening in the public eye. So [bear] with me and know that I am grateful for all the love. Just, being grateful quietly.”
Luke shared both Sophie andson Jack, 21,with ex Rachel “Minnie” Sharp.
“He was a lot of things to a lot of people. To me, he was always Dad,” Jack, a wrestler, began histouching Instagram post— which included a throwback photo of the father and son — two days after Luke died.
“He loved supported me in everything, and inspired me to be the best that I could possibly be,” said Jack.
Speaking with PEOPLEabout her late90210costar,Shannen Dohertypraised Luke as a family man who prioritized his children over everything else.
“Luke loved his family. He raved about his kids and how proud he was of them. He showed me videos of the often,” said Doherty. “They were his heart and for him, his biggest accomplishment.”
source: people.com
