‘Glee’ Stars Amber Riley, Kevin McHale Don’t Want To Overshadow Naya Rivera Search

Although some “Glee” fans have been upset that Amber Riley and Kevin McHale didn’t speak out immediately following the news of Naya Rivera’s disappearance, it turns out the actors had a good reason for staying silent.

On Wednesday, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department announced Rivera went missing during a boat ride with her 4-year-old son, Josey, at Lake Piru in California. The actress is presumed dead by authorities.

While several of Rivera’s co-stars from the Fox series have shared emotional posts on social media following the actress’ disappearance, Riley and McHale remained silent amid the authorities’ search.

Riley spoke out on Twitter about the disappearance on Sunday, after receiving backlash from fans over her silence.

“Show some respect. All our energy is going toward helping find Naya and praying for her safe return and for her family. No one owes anyone online a performance of grief. This is very real and devastating. Focus on Naya and her family. Not us. We don’t matter right now,” she tweeted.

Shortly after Riley’s post, McHale shared her tweet and encouraged fans to allow people to grieve in their own way. “I cannot begin to understand what Naya’s family must be feeling. I know the rest of us are completely shattered, but not without hope,” he wrote.

“Please respect her family & their privacy in this moment. Please refrain from judging those who don’t show their pain on social media.”

On Sunday, Captain Eric Buschow from the Ventura Sheriff’s department told E! News that the search for Rivera will continue but certain resources like divers, dogs, and scan sonar will be “scaled back.”