In a recent development, Jodie Turner-Smith has taken a stand against Disney for their lack of support towards her co-star, Amandla Stenberg, in the face of racist abuse from Star Wars fans. Stenberg, known for their role in The Acolyte, received a barrage of hateful messages and prejudiced comments after being cast in the now-cancelled spin-off show.
Speaking out in an interview with Glamour, Turner-Smith expressed her frustration at Disney’s silence amidst the abuse directed at Stenberg. She emphasised the importance of studios like Disney taking a public stance against such behaviour, stating that it is unfair to leave individuals to face such vitriol alone.
Turner-Smith defended her co-star’s dedication and talent, highlighting the disappointment felt when the studio does not offer support in such situations. She urged powerful studios like Disney to condemn such actions unequivocally, suggesting that it may even prove to be financially beneficial, given the significant buying power of people of colour, especially Black individuals.
Notably, this is not an isolated incident within the Star Wars franchise, as non-white actors have previously faced similar discriminatory treatment. For instance, John Boyega and Kelly Marie Tran have been vocal about the racist abuse they encountered during their involvement in Star Wars projects. Similarly, Moses Ingram faced online harassment while working on the spin-off series Obi-Wan Kenobi, with Lucasfilm preparing her for the anticipated racist backlash.
Following Ewan McGregor’s public support for Ingram, Disney released a statement affirming their commitment to inclusivity within the Star Wars universe and condemning any form of discrimination. The statement emphasised the diversity of sentient species in the franchise and called out racism within the fanbase.
As the issue of racial abuse within the Star Wars community continues to surface, it is imperative for major studios like Disney to take a firm stance against such behaviour and actively support their cast members in the face of adversity. The call for inclusivity and respect within fan communities is resonating strongly, urging all stakeholders to uphold values of diversity and tolerance in all aspects of entertainment.