Who is Butcher Billy? Stranger Things artist issues statement as controversy surrounding Holly Wheeler artwork poster sparks online uproar

Artist Butcher Billy, who works as an official illustrator and graphic designer for Stranger Things, has recently found himself in a controversy online. Billy shared an artwork featuring Holly Wheeler, played by child actress Nell Fisher, 14, on December 5.

The illustration portrayed Holly's petrified face with blood splattered across it. A text written on the poster read, "Vecna told me this would happen, he showed me."

The image reference was from Episode 2 of Season 5, titled "The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler". The artwork captured Holly's terrified state right after a Demogorgon attacked her mother, Karen Wheeler, causing her to collapse on the floor.

​

The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler #strangerthings pic.twitter.com/maliOZ9K91

— Butcher Billy (@billythebutcher) December 5, 2025

However, an X user @dollat325, made an inappropriate and lewd comment under the artwork. The person wrote:

"They even got her DS*'s in this image…perfect lol"

Billy responded to the comment with a GIF from the popular animated franchise Tom and Jerry, where Tom, clad in a suit, bows down in response to being applauded. Fans soon took notice of the original comment as well as Billy's reply and began questioning the illustrator's intent.

Reddit user @peachgothlover posted a screenshot of the viral exchange in the @popculturechat community on Sunday, December 28. The user explained the vulgar acronym used by @dollat325 stands for an adjective regarding a s*xual act. They considered the possibility of Billy not knowing what the acronym meant. Regardless the Reddit user suggested the Stranger Things artist should not have replied to everyone on X.

Needless to say, one such acronym is highly indecorous to use for a 14-year-old, especially since Holly, in the show, is only 10. Stranger Things fans have perceived Butcher Billy's response to the comment as a gesture of agreement. One X user questioned Netflix:

"do you wanna address this @netflix? employing @billythebutcher who's openly agreeing with disgusting/p*dophilic things being said about the art he officially created of a child actor on one of your biggest shows?"

Some accused Butcher Billy of s*xualizing Nell Fisher, a minor and demanded that Netflix looks into the matter.

Stranger Things illustrator Butcher Billy addresses his controversial online exchange under Holly Wheeler poster

Butcher Billy, born, Billy Mariano da Luz, took to X on Sunday, December 28 to issue a statement regarding the ongoing controversy. He addressed the platform and acknowledged he was aware of the criticism he received over the GIF he posted in reply to a comment. Billy said:

"There has been a lot of confusion so I felt I should clarify this to you all."

Seemingly alluding to the days after Vol.1 of Stranger Things Season 5 was released, Billy said the past few days had been "crazy" and he replied to most of the comments with a GIF or a "quick emoji". The illustrator affirmed he habitually replies to everyone this way across his socials. However, Billy claimed:

"It turns out that one of the comments had an acronym in the middle that I've never heard of"

Hey X!

I've been hearing a lot from you about a recent GIF I replied to a comment on one of my art posts. There has been a lot of confusion so I felt I should clarify this to you all. 🧶

— Butcher Billy (@billythebutcher) December 29, 2025

Referring to the obscene remark from @dollat325, Billy explained he thought the X user complimented his artwork. Hence, he responded with a "funny GIF". Billy continued:

"Turns out that this obscure acronym meant something bad that I really should have checked out before replying! That was totally on me!"

Billy said he deleted the GIF moment he found out from fans what the acronym stood for. Addressing user @dollat325 as the "initial culprit", Billy revealed the person was "rightfully banned" on the platform. He concluded his statement by adding:

"I reiterate my commitment to ethical values, social responsibility, and respect for human rights, a commitment reflected in my professional and artistic career."

Butcher Billy has been making posters for Stranger Things since Season 1. Some of Billy's artworks for the show were also showcased as billboards at Sunset Boulevard in LA.

Netflix or the Stranger Things creators the Duffer Brothers have not yet addressed the controversy.

​