Ghostbusters director Paul Feig has stepped in to defend Leslie Jones and Melissa McCarthy as he supported the cast members of the female fronted reboot after two of the actresses were targeted for criticism online.

Feig, who also directed Spy and Bridesmaids, jumped to the defense of Leslie Jones, who has already spoken out about the criticism she has received for her role in the film.

However, the online feedback has not stopped for Jones, and she threatened to quit Twitter last night (March 8) in response to the latest round of abuse. Jones wrote: “I think today will be the day I get rid of Twitter. Going to really be thinking about it. Not sure I want to need it anymore. Know what I mean?”

And haters, attack me all you want but when you attack and insult my cast, you’ve crossed the line. Grow up and leave my cast alone.

— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) March 8, 2016

Feig saw her threat and tweeted: “Don’t leave us, @Lesdoggg. You are a goddess & one of the warmest funniest forces of nature I know. Fuck the haters.”

He added: “And haters, attack me all you want, but when you attack and insult my cast, you’ve crossed the line. Grow up and leave my cast alone.”
The new Ghostbusters movie is set for release this July. It stars Bridesmaids‘ Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy alongside Saturday Night Live‘s Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones as part of an ensemble cast.

Chris Hemsworth will appear as the Ghostbusters’ receptionist, while another Saturday Night Live cast member, Neil Casey, has been cast as the main villain. Andy Garcia, The Wire‘s Michael K Williams, Saturday Night Live‘s Cecily Strong and Veep‘s Mike McLintock have also signed up for supporting roles.