Current:Home > Markets'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show -Infinite Edge Learning
'The Acolyte' star Amandla Stenberg slams 'targeted attack' by 'the alt-right' on 'Star Wars' show
PredictIQ View
Date:2025-04-07 16:27:54
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! (843)
Related
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- As TikTok bill steams forward, online influencers put on their lobbying hats to visit Washington
- What to know about a settlement that clarifies what’s legal under Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law
- Dog kills baby boy, injures mother at New Jersey home, the latest fatal mauling of 2024
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Darryl Strawberry resting comfortably after heart attack, according to New York Mets
- 2024 NBA mock draft March Madness edition: Kentucky, Baylor, Duke tout multiple prospects
- Double-swiping the rewards card led to free gas for months — and a felony theft charge
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- Fifth body found shot near West Virginia house fire where four people died
Ranking
- Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
- If there is a Mega Millions winner Tuesday, they can collect anonymously in these states
- Airbnb bans indoor security cameras for all listings on the platform
- Trump seeks delay of New York hush money trial as Supreme Court weighs presidential immunity
- Average rate on 30
- Biden budget would cut taxes for millions and restore breaks for families. Here's what to know.
- Failure to override Nebraska governor’s veto is more about politics than policy, some lawmakers say
- The Best Easter Basket Gifts for Kids, Teens & Adults (That’s Not Candy)
Recommendation
Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, TMI
The BÉIS Family Collection is So Cute & Functional You'll Want to Steal it From Your Kids
Bob Saget's widow Kelly Rizzo addresses claim she moved on too quickly after his death
Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
Proof Brittany and Patrick Mahomes' 2 Kids Were the MVPs of Their Family Vacation
Billionaires are ditching Nvidia. Here are the 2 AI stocks they're buying instead.
Dan + Shay serenade 'The Voice' contestant and her fiancé, more highlights from auditions