'Orange Is the New Black' Season 3 Release: Matt McGorry Admits 'Not Particularly Enjoyable' Fan Response To Bennett
Orange Is the New Black star Matt McGorry is trying not to let fans angry at his character become a personal slight against him.
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McGorry, who up to season 3 had played security guard John Bennett in Orange Is the New Black, had to endure a whole lot of hate from the show's fans this year. Bennett up and left Litchfield in the season's second episode, leaving behind Daya (Dascha Polanco), the prisoner he accidentally impregnated and presumably loved.
Fans have been vicious toward McGorry on social media, many of them acting like it was McGorry himself who left Daya behind. The actor talked about the fan response in a new interview with TVGuide.com.
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"It's not particularly enjoyable," McGorry said. "The character was very likable for a pretty long time and I got used to that. I'm not sure that getting used to that is necessarily a great thing, because this seems like the safest reminder that the business can be a fickle one at times and being in people's favor can be a fickle thing as well. So it's really kind of important not to place your own self-worth in the response from people, particularly when it comes to your character and your story line."
He noted that many fans are simply joking or finding a way to direct their anger towards Bennett, and addressing McGorry directly is the only way they know how. However, he added that he is gradually beginning to care less.
"You know, I think it is what it is. I think, in some ways, Jason Biggs is always going to be the guy who had sex with a pie. This is just a different version of that," he added.
Considering Bennett never returned after his departure in the second episode, many fans are speculating that he may never be seen again. However, McGorry is open to returning in season 4 or beyond if the script calls for him.
"I don't know. I would certainly be open to that," he said, of returning. "I would very much be open to that. I would love that. But again, these decisions are usually out of my hands. Like I said, I really do hope that he ends up having some more positive intentions behind what he did. But that's yet to be seen."
All three seasons of Orange Is the New Black are currently available to stream on Netflix, with a fourth season planned for summer 2016.
