Current:Home > reviews'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show -WealthGrow Network
'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show
View
Date:2025-04-17 03:22:37
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! (7698)
Related
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- Where Jill Duggar Stands With Her Controversial Family Today
- Drew Barrymore Slams Sick Reports Claiming She Wants Her Mom Dead
- Photos: Native American Pipeline Protest Brings National Attention to N.D. Standoff
- Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
- U.S. hostage envoy says call from Paul Whelan after Brittney Griner's release was one of the toughest he's ever had
- Carbon Markets Pay Off for These States as New Businesses, Jobs Spring Up
- ESPN lays off popular on-air talent in latest round of cuts
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- When do student loan payments resume? Here's what today's Supreme Court ruling means for the repayment pause.
Ranking
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Biden lays out new path for student loan relief after Supreme Court decision
- In Attacks on Environmental Advocates in Canada, a Disturbing Echo of Extremist Politics in the US
- Semi-truck driver was actively using TikTok just before fiery Arizona car crash that killed 5, officials say
- Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
- 19 Father's Day Gift Ideas for Your Husband That He'll Actually Love
- Calif. Earmarks a Quarter of Its Cap-and-Trade Riches for Environmental Justice
- Could Baltimore’s Climate Change Suit Become a Supreme Court Test Case?
Recommendation
Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
Photos: Native American Pipeline Protest Brings National Attention to N.D. Standoff
Power Giant AEP Talks Up Clean Energy, but Coal Is Still King in Its Portfolio
Power Plants on Indian Reservations Get No Break on Emissions Rules
Bodycam footage shows high
Ex-cardinal Theodore McCarrick, now 92, not competent to stand trial in sex abuse case, expert says
Smoke From Western Wildfires Darkens the Skies of the East Coast and Europe
Parkland shooting sheriff's deputy Scot Peterson found not guilty on all counts