Current:Home > News'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show -Elevate Profit Vision
'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show
View
Date:2025-04-13 16:41:02
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! (347)
Related
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- Union representing German train drivers calls strike that will hit passenger services
- Cargo ship breaks down in Egypt’s Suez Canal and crashes into a bridge. Traffic is not disrupted
- Enrique Iglesias Shares Sweet Update About His and Anna Kournikova's Kids
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- The Suite Life of Zack & Cody's Kim Rhodes Says Dylan Sprouse Refused to Say Fat Joke on Set
- Nordstrom's Holiday Sale has Wishlist-Worthy Finds up to 81% off from SKIMS, Kate Spade, Dior & More
- GOP Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California is resigning, 2 months after his ouster as House speaker
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Charged Lemonade at Panera Bread being blamed for second death, family files lawsuit
Ranking
- Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
- Paramedics told investigators that Elijah McClain had ‘excited delirium,’ a disputed condition
- Watch this lone goose tackle a busy New York street with the help of construction workers
- Top Wisconsin Senate Republican says a deal is near for university pay raises. UW officials disagree
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Families of 3 killed in Jacksonville Dollar General shooting sue store, gunman's family
- In a year of book bans, Maureen Corrigan's top 10 affirm the joy of reading widely
- These were top campaign themes on GoFundMe in 2023
Recommendation
The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
Free agent OF Joc Pederson sparks rumors about next team with Instagram post
Air Force Reserve staff sergeant arrested on felony charges for role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot
JLo delivers rousing speech on 'tremendous opposition' at Elle Women in Hollywood event
Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
He changed television forever. Why we all owe thanks to the genius of Norman Lear.
Shannen Doherty says she learned of ex's alleged affair shortly before brain tumor surgery
Mississippi police searching for suspects in shooting that injured 5