Tom Welling, 49, addressed a viral Instagram Stories photo over the weekend that briefly showed his reflection in a hotel window, responding with a joking comment rather than a formal statement as screenshots of the image spread online.
The actor posted the photo on Friday, Oct. 9, with a caption referencing the New York City skyline view from his room. He deleted it several hours later, but by Saturday, Oct. 10, screenshots were circulating widely on social media, according to Justjared.
Welling’s Response To The Viral Hotel Window Photo
Rather than issue a statement, Welling leaned into the joke. Commenting on a viral Instagram video about the incident from his verified account, he wrote, “Came for the sights,” according to Justjared. The comment had drawn more than 35,000 likes as of Sunday afternoon, Oct. 11.
An Instagram Reel poking fun at the moment was also posted on Oct. 10, adding to the online attention around the photo.
Michael Rosenbaum’s Joking Reply
Welling’s Smallville co-star Michael Rosenbaum, 54, got in on the joke with his own staged photo. Rosenbaum posted a picture of his reflection in a hotel window with a sign reading “Perverts” covering his lower body, captioning it “Just looking after my boy @tomwelling @newyorkcomiccon,” per Justjared.
Welling reposted Rosenbaum’s photo to his own Instagram Story, pairing it with Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ song “Empire State of Mind.”
Background: Smallville Reunion At New York Comic Con
The viral moment unfolded as Welling was in New York for New York Comic Con, where he joined a Smallville panel marking the show’s 25th anniversary. The panel, held at the Javits Center, also included Rosenbaum, Erica Durance and Kristin Kreuk, according to Us Weekly.
Welling took part in meet-and-greets and signed merchandise for fans at the convention on Oct. 10. He had posted on his Instagram Stories that same day inviting fans to say hello while he signed items, Us Weekly reported.
Smallville ran for 10 seasons on the WB and The CW, with Welling starring as a teenage Clark Kent throughout the series’ run.
What’s Next
Welling has not made any additional public comments beyond his joking reply as of Sunday, Oct. 11. The Smallville cast’s NYCC appearance was tied to the show’s 25th anniversary celebration, with no further reunion events announced.
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