Where is Ashley Tolbert now? 'Squid Game: The Challenge' viewers thrash Player 278 for her 'selfish' gameplay and terrible attitude
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Living in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area of Georgia, Player 278 aka Ashley Tolbert is a multi-talented individual. Beyond her active engagement in bodybuilding, she made her debut at the Cydney Gillon Peach Classic in May 2022.
She's also a proud mother to a young boy. Since 2019, Ashley has been making waves as a Civil Rights Investigator for the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), focusing on HIPAA Investigations.
Having said that, the 'Squid Game: The Challenge' viewers went all out on Ashley, calling her out for extreme selfishness and being downright untrustworthy.
When Player 301 aka Trey, needed the group's decision, Ashley's silence left him hanging with limited choices, leading to him getting the boot.
However, when Ashley nailed her glass step, suddenly, she wanted a teammate to risk the next move.
Consequentially, social media exploded with fans dissing Ashley, tagging her gameplay as a major fail.
A Reddit user wrote, "Doesn't play fair but after the boy does 3 jumps, she plays ball and everyone celebrates? Everyone should max vote her out on the dice game."
They continued, "She then lied through her teeth about the event. 278 made me the most angry out of everyone. But then again I should blame the rest of the cowards who stood up for 278. Mai was the only only player with BALLS."
"Her attitude is terrible too. When most people eliminate someone or win something they are usually apologetic and humble. Or say something about how it was the most strategic move for them," noted one more Reddit user.
"When things go well for Ashley (like Chad getting eliminated) she was just spiteful, vindictive, and sneering. She can't even win with grace," further expressed the person.
"Exactly, Karma got everyone in the game, I wish to see Karma do its thing for Ashley for what she did to Trey," noted someone else.
Ashley Tolbert received backlash for her ‘gameplay’ and not due to her 'race'
Viewers of the Netflix show criticized Ashley for her self-centered approach to the game, emphasizing that their discontent was solely based on her gameplay choices and not influenced by her race.
They highlighted instances where her decisions seemed to prioritize personal gain over team dynamics, stating a distinct separation between their dissatisfaction and any racial considerations.
"Many of us were infuriated with how 278 played the game, but what's worse is not being about to criticize her gameplay without someone saying something along the lines of "oh you just don't like her because she's a black woman"," wrote a person on Reddit.
They added, "I'm here to say no. Dislike for 278 is strictly attributed to her decisions in the game and nothing else. Many people of color on the show have been well received because they didn't do anything manipulative like 278 did."
Ashley Tolbert says she will not 'sacrifice herself' in the game
In her confessional, Ashley spilled the tea about her clash with Trey, declaring, "I'm here to win, not play sacrifice games! I'm legit confused; did I sign up for this? I'm not throwing myself under the bus when my numbers are already on the struggle bus."
She further noted, "If I gotta plant myself like a statue and let y'all maneuver around me for my own survival, then that's the game plan I'm rolling with."
Finalist Mai Whelan calls Ashley Tolbert 'selfish'
Player 287 aka Mai Whelan, called out Ashley Tolbert, saying she's all about herself, not the team.
She noted how Trey was good and deserved better, and that she will keep an eye on Ashley as she's not giving team player vibes.
"I think 278 is selfish for not advancing for the team," said Mai, adding, "That has shown her character. Moving forward, I will be watchful for #278. She has shown me that she’s not a team player."
