Current:Home > Finance'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show -Elevate Capital Network
'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show
View
Date:2025-04-12 01:21:41
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! (2574)
Related
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- US regulators maintain fishing quota for valuable baby eels, even as Canada struggles with poaching
- Brittney Griner says she thought about killing herself during first few weeks in Russian jail
- One Tech Tip: How to repair an electric toothbrush
- Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
- Eva Mendes on why she couldn't be a mother in her 20s: 'I was just foul-mouthed and smoking'
- A $10 billion offer rejected? Miami Dolphins not for sale as F1 race drives up valuation
- Forget Starbucks: Buy this unstoppable growth stock instead
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- What is May's birthstone? A guide to the colorful gem and its symbolism
Ranking
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- Violence erupts at UCLA as pro-Palestinian protesters, counter-protesters clash
- How to Watch the 2024 Met Gala and Live From E! on TV and Online
- Johnson & Johnson offers to pay $6.5 billion to settle talc ovarian cancer lawsuits
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Arizona governor set to sign repeal of near-total abortion ban from 1864
- Over 40% of Americans see China as an enemy, a Pew report shows. That’s a five-year high
- Bee specialist who saved Diamondbacks game getting a trading card; team makes ticket offer
Recommendation
'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
Vendor that mishandled Pennsylvania virus data to pay $2.7 million in federal whistleblower case
Four players suspended after Brewers vs. Rays benches-clearing brawl
Kate Hudson on her Glorious album
B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
Police sweep onto UCLA campus, remove pro-Palestinian encampment: Live updates
Ex-FBI informant charged with lying about Bidens must remain jailed, appeals court rules
Brittney Griner says she thought about killing herself during first few weeks in Russian jail