Current:Home > News'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show -EverVision Finance
'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show
Rekubit Exchange View
Date:2025-04-08 02:53:44
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! (34932)
Related
- The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
- Report: Eagles hiring Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator one day after he leaves Dolphins
- CIA continues online campaign to recruit Russian spies, citing successes
- Many experts feared a recession. Instead, the economy has continued to soar
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- Senator Tammy Duckworth calls on FAA to reject Boeing's request for safety waiver for the 737 Max 7
- Montana man convicted of killing eagles is sentenced to 3 years in prison for related gun violations
- House investigators scrutinize Rep. Matt Gaetz's defunct federal criminal sex trafficking probe
- Trump's 'stop
- Snoop Dogg’s Daughter Cori Broadus Released From Hospital After Severe Stroke
Ranking
- McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
- US expresses concerns over Sri Lanka’s controversial internet regulation law
- Egypt lashes out at extremist Israeli leaders after Netanyahu says IDF must seize Gaza-Egypt buffer zone
- Alabama set to execute inmate with nitrogen gas, a never before used method
- New data highlights 'achievement gap' for students in the US
- Italy’s premier slams Stellantis over reduced Italian footprint since Peugeot-FiatChrysler tie-up
- Live updates | Death toll rises to 12 with dozens injured in a strike on a crowded Gaza shelter
- Austrian man who raped his captive daughter over 24 years can be moved to a regular prison
Recommendation
Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
Mel B’s Major Update on Another Spice Girls Reunion Will Make You Stop Right Now
Cheer coach Monica Aldama's son arrested on multiple child pornography charges
Jim Harbaugh leaves his alma mater on top of college football. Will Michigan stay there?
This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
French farmers edge closer to Paris as protests ratchet up pressure on President Macron
Wisconsin mom gives birth to baby boy in snowy McDonald’s parking lot. See his sweet nickname.
'Zone of Interest': How the Oscar-nominated Holocaust drama depicts an 'ambient genocide'