Ian Somerhalder defended girlfriend Nikki Reed over the weekend on Instagram
The 35-year-old Vampire Diaries actor lashed out after critics bashed the 26-year-old actress in comments on his latest post.
"You HATE NIKKI REED? Really Do you know her? Hmmmm, I'm not sure that you do," Somerhalder wrote. "Look on her Instagram feed or twitter and all you will see is a compassionate and beautiful human being."
"Do you care about me? Ask yourself that question. What's the answer? Is it yes?" he asked. "If if is --then please be happy for me. Stop this nonsense -- you're spreading horrible energy into the world. Do some research on the person you say sucks or you HATE. You'll find that she's a magical person doing great things in the world."
"I'm sickened and saddened by the fans' response to all this," he continued. "If we all thought a little or [learned] a little about people before we spoke about them, the world wouldn't be so upside down and in the worst place in history. If you hate Nikki then you must hate me... That's sad. Have an amazing day!"
Somerhalder and Reed went public with their relationship in July, and have reportedly moved in together as of August. The actor previously dated his Vampire Diaries co-star, Nina Dobrev, for three years, and many fans remain "loyal" to the former couple. The two remain friends, and are currently shooting season six of The Vampire Diaries in Atlanta, Ga.