Current:Home > Stocks'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show -MarketLink
'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show
View
Date:2025-04-12 13:26:30
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! (84)
Related
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Last of nearly 100 pilot whales stranded on Australia beach are euthanized after getting rescued – then re-stranded
- How does post-concert sadness impact people with depression differently?
- In 'Family Lore,' award-winning YA author Elizabeth Acevedo turns to adult readers
- Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
- Harry Styles Spotted With Olivia Tattoo Months After Olivia Wilde Breakup
- Mark Zuckerberg Is All Smiles as He Takes Daughters to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Concert
- How to protect yourself from heat: 4 experts tips to keep you and your family cool
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Chick-fil-A to build new restaurant concepts in Atlanta and New York City
Ranking
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
- Taco Bell adds new taco twist: The Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco, which hits the menu Aug. 3
- Economy grew solid 2.4% in second quarter amid easing recession fears
- When does 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem' come out? Cast, trailer, what to know
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- Anchorage homeless face cold and bears. A plan to offer one-way airfare out reveals a bigger crisis
- Why residuals are taking center stage in actors' strike
- What my $30 hamburger reveals about fees and how companies use them to jack up prices
Recommendation
Average rate on 30
Harry Styles Spotted With Olivia Tattoo Months After Olivia Wilde Breakup
Shooting wounds 5 people in Michigan with 2 victims in critical condition, police say
Bye-bye birdie: Twitter jettisons bird logo, replaces it with X
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
In 'Family Lore,' award-winning YA author Elizabeth Acevedo turns to adult readers
3 dead after plane crashes into airport hangar in Upland, California
Barbie in India: A skin color debate, a poignant poem, baked in a cake