Current:Home > Scams'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show -Lighthouse Finance Hub
'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show
View
Date:2025-04-17 12:28:54
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! (22742)
Related
- How effective is the Hyundai, Kia anti-theft software? New study offers insights.
- Kristin Chenoweth Has a Wicked Response to Carly Waddell's Criticism of Lady Gaga
- Day of the Dead recipe: Pan de muerto by Elena Reygadas
- Day of the Dead recipe: Pan de muerto by Elena Reygadas
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Robert De Niro attends closing arguments in civil trial over claims by ex-VP, personal assistant
- 3 charged with running sex ring that catered to elected officials, other wealthy clients
- Are Americans burned out on dating apps?
- Sonya Massey's family keeps eyes on 'full justice' one month after shooting
- South Carolina naturalist Rudy Mancke, who shared how everyone is connected to nature, dies at 78
Ranking
- Daughter of Utah death row inmate navigates complicated dance of grief and healing before execution
- See Why the First American Idol Season 22 Teaser Is Music to Our Ears
- There’s too much guesswork in renting an Airbnb. The short-term rental giant is trying to fix that
- Holocaust survivor recalls ‘Night of Broken Glass’ horrors in interactive, virtual reality project
- How effective is the Hyundai, Kia anti-theft software? New study offers insights.
- Brazil police say they foiled a terrorist plot and arrested two suspects
- Why Ariana Madix Was Shocked by Intense Vanderpump Rules Season 11 Teaser at BravoCon
- Negotiations over proposed regulations for deep-sea mining plod along as pressure mounts
Recommendation
PHOTO COLLECTION: AP Top Photos of the Day Wednesday August 7, 2024
FDA investigating reports of hospitalizations after fake Ozempic
Joel Madden Shares Rare Insight Into Family Life With Queen Nicole Richie and Their 2 Kids
Biden administration picks Maryland for new FBI headquarters, AP sources say
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Santa Fe voters approve tax on mansions as housing prices soar
Governors call for more funds to secure places of worship as threats toward Jews and Muslims rise
Democrat wins special South Carolina Senate election and will be youngest senator