The Rise of Skywalker director J.J. Abrams has acknowledged that toxic fandom is not an issue unique to Star Wars.
Speaking to Esquire, Abrams addressed the changing landscape of modern fan culture, as he admitted that we now live in a more divisive time compared to the original trilogy era.
“The reaction to Star Wars, the increased attacks, the increased negativity, the Fandom Menace as they call it, you know, that is not unique to Star Wars, obviously,” he said. “And I think we live in a time where if you’re not being divisive, if you’re not creating something that’s aversive quick-bait, sometimes you don’t quite feel like you’re playing the game.
Source: IGN.com Rise of Skywalker: JJ Abrams Addresses Star Wars' 'Fandom Menace'