There are actually unballanced people out there who can’t separate the actor from the character, but that has gone on for ages. I think it was Jackie Collins who used to get terrible hate mail directed at her personally, not her character, and I’m sure there have been many others. These kinds of people shouldn’t be allowed to watch TV (or movies).
You have to admit, we see that to some extent here. How many people hate EJ so much they want him gone from the show? Even though James is a terrific actor and a nice pleasant person IRL. They are even unable to accept a redemption for him.