Well, maybe the first step is thinking about what you're worried about. What's the worst-case-scenario if you unfollow the rude fan and reach out to the one who was nice to you? I'm not saying there wouldn't be consequences, because very fandom is different. But it also may not be as big of a deal as you think it might be.
And maybe take a step back from the anon meme. For one thing, on an anon meme, it can be hard to get a realistic idea of how the majority of the fandom feels, or how many people are even participating. Some anon memes are more reasonable, and open to dissent, than others. They're not always good places to change people's minds. But at the same time, it's anon. People are unlikely to connect the comment to you. So why not try saying something simple like, "When I've talked to her, she's been really nice. I expected her to be a bitch based on what I'd heard, but that hasn't been my experience at all"? And then drop it.
But I agree with some other people that the more productive thing you can do is to reach out to this fan directly, if you feel up to it. At the very least, thank her for her generosity.
When it comes down to it, it's a shame for her not to get the kindness she deserves because of peer pressure. But I think it hurts you even more. It'd be a shame not to give a potentially good friend a chance because of the attitudes of rude people whom you don't even want to be friends with.
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And maybe take a step back from the anon meme. For one thing, on an anon meme, it can be hard to get a realistic idea of how the majority of the fandom feels, or how many people are even participating. Some anon memes are more reasonable, and open to dissent, than others. They're not always good places to change people's minds. But at the same time, it's anon. People are unlikely to connect the comment to you. So why not try saying something simple like, "When I've talked to her, she's been really nice. I expected her to be a bitch based on what I'd heard, but that hasn't been my experience at all"? And then drop it.
But I agree with some other people that the more productive thing you can do is to reach out to this fan directly, if you feel up to it. At the very least, thank her for her generosity.
When it comes down to it, it's a shame for her not to get the kindness she deserves because of peer pressure. But I think it hurts you even more. It'd be a shame not to give a potentially good friend a chance because of the attitudes of rude people whom you don't even want to be friends with.