Current:Home > Markets'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show -AssetLink
'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show
View
Date:2025-04-14 13:28:51
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! (44298)
Related
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- Ross Gay on inciting joy while dining with sorrow
- The long-awaited FAFSA is finally here. Now, hurry up and fill it out. Here's why.
- Ana Ofelia Murguía, Mexican actress who voiced Mama Coco in Pixar's 'Coco,' dies at 90
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Thai prime minister says visa-free policy for Chinese visitors to be made permanent in March
- Train derails and catches fire near San Francisco, causing minor injuries and service disruptions
- Israel moving thousands of troops out of Gaza, but expects prolonged fighting with Hamas
- US Open player compensation rises to a record $65 million, with singles champs getting $3.6 million
- A war travelogue: Two Florida photographers recount harrowing trip to document the Ukraine war
Ranking
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Queen Margrethe II shocks Denmark, reveals she's abdicating after 52 years on throne
- Police say Berlin marks New Year’s Eve with less violence than a year ago despite detention of 390
- Threats to abortion access drive demand for abortion pills, analysis suggests
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Is Social Security income taxable by the IRS? Here's what you might owe on your benefits
- 16-year-old traveling alone on Frontier mistakenly boarded wrong flight to Puerto Rico
- Horoscopes Today, December 31, 2023
Recommendation
Kehlani Responds to Hurtful Accusation She’s in a Cult
Hong Kong activist publisher Jimmy Lai pleads not guilty to sedition and collusion charges
How 1000-lb Sisters' Amy Slaton Addressed Rage With Ex Michael Halterman
Report: Members of refereeing crew for Lions-Cowboys game unlikely to work postseason
PHOTO COLLECTION: AP Top Photos of the Day Wednesday August 7, 2024
Vegas legend Shecky Greene, famous for his stand-up comedy show, dies at 97
What does auld lang syne mean? Experts explain lyrics, origin and staying power of the New Year's song
Dog reunited with family after life with coyotes, fat cat's adoption: Top animal stories of 2023