Current:Home > Finance'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show -RiskRadar
'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show
View
Date:2025-04-19 00:54:32
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! (6)
Related
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- See how one volunteer group organized aid deliveries after fire decimates Lahaina
- Gwen Stefani's son Kingston Rossdale plays surprise performance at Blake Shelton's bar
- 5 people, including a child, are dead after an explosion destroys 3 homes and damages 12 others
- New Zealand official reverses visa refusal for US conservative influencer Candace Owens
- Video shows ‘mob’ steal up to $100,000 worth of items at Nordstrom in Los Angeles: Police
- American Lilia Vu runs away with AIG Women's Open for second major win of 2023
- Anthony Joshua silences boos with one-punch knockout of Robert Helenius
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Little League World Series 2023 games, dates, schedule, bracket
Ranking
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- Niger’s coup leaders say they will prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum for ‘high treason’
- Run-DMC's Darryl McDaniels reflects on his Hollis, Queens, roots
- Boston Bruins center David Krejci announces retirement after 16 NHL seasons
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Why Idina Menzel Says Playing Lea Michele’s Mom on Glee “Wasn’t Great” for Her Ego
- A former Georgia police chief is now teaching middle school
- Coast Guard rescues 4 divers who went missing off the Carolinas
Recommendation
'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
Rebel Wilson's Baby Girl Royce Is Cuteness Overload in New Photo
James Harden calls 76ers President Daryl Morey a liar and says he won’t play for his team
Michael McDowell edges Chase Elliott at Indianapolis to clinch NASCAR playoff berth
'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
Silicon Valley's latest hype: Eyeball-scanning silver orbs to confirm you're human
‘Old Enough’ is the ‘Big Bisexual Book’ of the summer. Here’s why bi representation matters.
2 Nigerian men extradited to US to face sexual extortion charges after death of Michigan teenager