Current:Home > My'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show-VaTradeCoin
'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show
lotradecoin integration with payment systems View Date:2024-12-26 10:45:35
Amandla Stenberg is addressing a recent disturbance in the Force.
The "Acolyte" star, 25, spoke out Wednesday about the cancellation of the Disney+ "Star Wars" series in a video on her Instagram story, saying the news was "not a huge shock for me."
"For those who aren't aware, there has been a rampage of vitriol that we have faced since the show was even announced, when it was still just a concept and no one had even seen it," Stenberg said in the video. "That's when we started experiencing a rampage of I would say hyper-conservative bigotry and vitriol, prejudiced hatred and hateful language towards us."
The actor continued that this backlash "really affected me" at first because even though she expected it, it's "not something you can fully understand what it feels like until it's happening to you." But she added that she has "kind of moved through those feelings in various ways."
Created by Leslye Headland, "The Acolyte" starred Stenberg in dual roles as a former Jedi Padawan and her twin sister. It took place 100 years before the events of the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, a time at which the Jedi were at their height, and was the first of the franchise's shows to be created by a woman.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
The response to "The Acolyte" was mixed among critics and fans. But the show also generated online backlash targeting its diverse cast, some of which started prior to its premiere.
'Star Wars' bosscalls out 'male dominated' fan base's 'personal' attacks on women stars
"The Acolyte" was canceled by Disney+ on a cliffhanger that explicitly set up a second season and teased the introduction of a fan-favorite character, Darth Plagueis.
On Instagram, Stenberg said she is "very sad" about the cancellation but still feels "a lot of levity and joy" around the fact that she had the experience, calling it an "incredible honor and dream" to be in a "Star Wars" show. She also thanked fans who supported the series amid the "targeted attack we received by the alt-right."
New 'The Acolyte' trailerfor May the 4th, plus 'Star Wars' movies, TV shows in the works
After the cancellation, Stenberg's Instagram was flooded with hateful comments celebrating the news and accusing the show of being "woke," while other fans sought to counteract this negativity with positive messages praising her performance and the show. "Man I'm so embarrassed by this fandom sometimes," one comment on Stenberg's Instagram read. "Hope you're doing well and know that you have a lot of support from fans, too!"
There has been a history of people of color joining the "Star Wars" franchise and facing racist backlash from fans, including sequel trilogy star John Boyega and "Obi-Wan Kenobi" actor Moses Ingram. After Ingram received racist abuse following the debut of the Disney+ series, Ewan McGregor came to her defense in a social media video.
"We love Moses," McGregor said. "And if you're sending her bullying messages, you're no 'Star Wars' fan in my mind. There's no place for racism in this world. I totally stand with Moses."
Boyega recently showed support for Stenberg amid the "Acolyte" cancellation news. In a comment on her most recent Instagram post, the Finn actor shared a GIF of Han Solo giving a salute.
veryGood! (55474)
Related
- Chiquis comes from Latin pop royalty. How the regional Mexican star found her own crown
- Before Dying, An Unvaccinated TikTok User Begged Others Not to Repeat Her Mistake
- Migrant deaths in Mediterranean reach highest level in 6 years
- Biden welcomed as one of us in Irish Parliament
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- Tori Spelling Reflects on Bond With Best Friend Scout Masterson 6 Months After His Death
- Apple fires #AppleToo leader as part of leak probe. She says it's retaliation
- This Alaskan town is finally getting high-speed internet, thanks to the pandemic
- New Jersey, home to many oil and gas producers, eyes fees to fight climate change
- Below Deck's Tyler Walker Shares Difficult Experience of Finally Coming Out to His Parents
Ranking
- Albertsons gives up on Kroger merger and sues the grocery chain for failing to secure deal
- Emily Blunt's White Hot Oscars 2023 Entrance Is Anything But Quiet
- Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: Get This $360 3-in-1 Bag for Just $89
- A complete guide to what is — and isn't — open this Thanksgiving Day
- Beyoncé takes home first award in country music category at 2024 Billboard Music Awards
- The creator of 'Stardew Valley' announces his spooky new game: 'Haunted Chocolatier'
- How Jimmy Kimmel Addressed Will Smith's Oscars Slap During 2023 Ceremony
- Patients say telehealth is OK, but most prefer to see their doctor in person
Recommendation
-
When does 'No Good Deed' come out? How to watch Ray Romano, Lisa Kudrow's new dark comedy
-
How Halle Berry and Jessica Chastain Replaced Will Smith for This Oscars 2023 Moment After 10-Year Ban
-
Salma Hayek and Daughter Valentina Are the Perfect Match in Coordinating Oscars 2023 Red Carpet Looks
-
You'll Be a Sucker for Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner's Matching Goth Looks at Oscars After-Party
-
Beyoncé takes home first award in country music category at 2024 Billboard Music Awards
-
Facebook's new whistleblower is renewing scrutiny of the social media giant
-
Oscars 2023 Winners: The Complete List
-
Facebook wants to lean into the metaverse. Here's what it is and how it will work