Current:Home > Stocks'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show -Thrive Capital Insights
'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show
View
Date:2025-04-18 05:25:05
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! (92285)
Related
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Stephen Curry agrees to $63 million extension with Warriors for 2026-27 season
- Mississippi sheriff sets new security after escaped inmate was captured in Chicago
- Is job growth just slowing from post-pandemic highs? Or headed for a crash?
- Immigration issues sorted, Guatemala runner Luis Grijalva can now focus solely on sports
- TikToker Eixchel Berroteran Speaks Out After Stepdad Allegedly Tries to Murder Her and Her Mom
- Freeform's 31 Nights of Halloween Promises to Be a Hauntingly Good Time
- Caitlin Clark sets WNBA rookie record for 3s as Fever beat Sun and snap 11-game skid in series
- Olympic men's basketball bracket: Results of the 5x5 tournament
- 11th Circuit allows Alabama to enforce its ban on gender-affirming care for minors
Ranking
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Nikki Glaser set to host 2025 Golden Globes, jokes it might 'get me canceled'
- Maryland awards contract for Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild after deadly collapse
- Telegram CEO Pavel Durov says he had over 100 kids. The problem with anonymous sperm donation.
- JoJo Siwa reflects on Candace Cameron Bure feud: 'If I saw her, I would not say hi'
- When the US left Kabul, these Americans tried to help Afghans left behind. It still haunts them
- Man whose escape from Kansas prison was featured in book, TV movie dies behind bars
- Baltimore ‘baby bonus’ won’t appear on ballots after court rules it unconstitutional
Recommendation
Eva Mendes Shares Message of Gratitude to Olympics for Keeping Her and Ryan Gosling's Kids Private
Allison Holker Shares Photo Teasing New Romance 2 Years After Husband Stephen tWitch Boss' Death
Heather Graham opens up about 30-year rift with parents over Hollywood disapproval
'They just lost it': Peyton Manning makes appearance as Tennessee professor
Giants, Lions fined $200K for fights in training camp joint practices
Chelsea Handler on her new Las Vegas residency, today's political moment and her dog Doug
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov says he had over 100 kids. The problem with anonymous sperm donation.
Jenna Dewan and Channing Tatum’s Daughter Everly Steps Up to 6th Grade in Rare Photo