Current:Home > reviews'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show -WealthSync Hub
'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show
View
Date:2025-04-18 13:00:49
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! (45929)
Related
- A Mississippi company is sentenced for mislabeling cheap seafood as premium local fish
- How long should I walk my dog? And how often? Tips to keep your pup healthy.
- Milwaukee hotel workers fired after death of Black man pinned down outside
- Steward Health Care under federal investigation for fraud and corruption, sources tell CBS News
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- Why Blake Lively Says Ryan Reynolds Is Trying to Get Her Pregnant With Baby No. 5
- Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2024: The Best Beauty Exclusive Deals from La Mer, Oribe, NuFACE & More
- Health alert issued for ready-to-eat meats illegally imported from the Philippines
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- 2025 Social Security COLA estimate slips, keeping seniors under pressure
Ranking
- Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
- Devastated by record flooding and tornadoes, Iowa tallies over $130 million in storm damage
- Computer hacking charge dropped against Miami OnlyFans model accused of killing her boyfriend
- Thousands of Oregon hospital patients may have been exposed to infectious diseases
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- License suspension extended for 2 years for a trucker acquitted in a deadly motorcycle crash
- Andy Samberg reveals reason for his 'SNL' exit: 'I was falling apart in my life'
- Hawaii's Haleakala fire continues to blaze as memory of 2023 Maui wildfire lingers
Recommendation
Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
Owner offers reward after video captures thieves stealing $2 million in baseball cards
Don't let AI voice scams con you out of cash
Shark species can get kind of weird. See 3 of the strangest wobbegongs, goblins and vipers.
Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
Prince Harry honored with Pat Tillman Award for Service at The ESPYS
Vermonters pummeled by floods exactly 1 year apart begin another cleanup
National French Fry Day 2024: Get free fries and deals at McDonald's, Wendy's, more