Current:Home > Finance'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show -Wealth Evolution Experts
'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show
View
Date:2025-04-12 08:45:40
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! (6487)
Related
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Horoscopes Today, July 22, 2024
- Blake Lively Channels Husband Ryan Reynolds During Rare Red Carpet Date Night at Deadpool Premiere
- Harris to visit battleground Wisconsin in first rally as Democrats coalesce around her for president
- Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
- Hiker missing for 2 weeks found alive in Kentucky's Red River Gorge after rescuers hear cry for help: Truly a miracle
- Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2024 Deals Under $50: Get a Pearl Necklace for $35 & More Up to 50% Off
- Iowa law banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy to take effect Monday
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Google reneges on plan to remove third-party cookies in Chrome
Ranking
- The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
- 'Bachelorette' star's ex is telling all on TikTok: What happens when your ex is everywhere
- It's not just smoking — here's what causes lung cancer
- Rushed railcar inspections and ‘stagnated’ safety record reinforce concerns after fiery Ohio crash
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Rachel Lindsay’s Ex Bryan Abasolo Details Their “Tough” Fertility Journey
- Safeguarding the heartbeat: Native Americans in Upper Midwest protect their drumming tradition
- Second man arrested in the shooting of a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper
Recommendation
Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
U.S. sprinter McKenzie Long runs from grief toward Olympic dream
Here's what investors are saying about Biden dropping out — and what it means for your 401(k)
For Appalachian Artists, the Landscape Is Much More Than the Sum of Its Natural Resources
'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
Commission says New York judge should be removed over profane rant at graduation party
Blake Lively and Gigi Hadid Are Simply the Perfect Match With Deadpool & Wolverine After-Party Looks
A man suspected of shooting a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper is arrested in Kentucky