Current:Home > Finance'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show -WealthMindset Learning
'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show
View
Date:2025-04-26 08:36:34
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! (9865)
Related
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Restoring Watersheds, and Hope, After New Mexico’s Record-Breaking Wildfires
- Environmental Groups and Native Leaders Say Proposed Venting and Flaring Rule Falls Short
- This Shiatsu Foot Massager Has 12,800+ 5-Star Amazon Reviews and It’s 46% Off for Amazon Prime Day 2023
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Why Author Colleen Hoover Calls It Ends With Us' Popularity Bittersweet
- Save 46% on the TikTok-Loved Solawave Skincare Wand That Works in 5 Minutes During Amazon Prime Day 2023
- People and pets seek shade and cool as Europe sizzles under a heat wave
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- Up First briefing: Climate-conscious buildings; Texas abortion bans; GMO mosquitoes
Ranking
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- New York City Begins Its Climate Change Reckoning on the Lower East Side, the Hard Way
- Maryland’s Largest County Just Banned Gas Appliances in Most New Buildings—But Not Without Some Concessions
- Want to Help Reduce PFC Emissions? Recycle Those Cans
- Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
- Emmy Nominations 2023 Are Finally Here: See the Full List
- Jenna Ortega's Historic 2023 Emmys Nomination Deserves Two Snaps
- Planet Money Paper Club
Recommendation
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Wes Moore Names Two Members to Maryland Public Service Commission
How Riley Keough Is Celebrating Her First Emmy Nomination With Husband Ben Smith-Petersen
Supersonic Aviation Program Could Cause ‘Climate Debacle,’ Environmentalists Warn
SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
This Automatic, Cordless Wine Opener With 27,500+ 5-Star Reviews Is Only $21 for Amazon Prime Day 2023
The White House and big tech companies release commitments on managing AI
Flood-Prone Communities in Virginia May Lose a Lifeline if Governor Pulls State Out of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative