Naomi Ackie Shares How She Escaped Racial Abuse from “Star Wars” So-Called “Fans”: “I didn’t want to have a place for them to come with their comments”

Since Disney acquired Lucasfilm, the Star Wars universe has frequently found itself at the center of major controversies, most recently with a toxic “fan” campaign against The Acolyte. But this behavior has deeper roots that go beyond The Acolyte, as highlighted by a story from the filming of Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, actress Naomi Ackie, who played Jannah in The Rise of Skywalker, discussed how she successfully avoided racial abuse from certain so-called “fans” of the franchise, who often target people of color.

Disney’s acquisition of Star Wars was a controversial move, and while it was clear that changes were coming, some fans felt that the changes were too drastic. Among these fans, a group of so-called “fans”—who are more accurately described as toxic haters—began to abuse and bully those associated with the franchise, including actors, producers, and other contributors. Their attacks have been particularly directed at people of color, women, and individuals who don’t conform to traditional gender norms, turning their toxicity into an anti-“woke” crusade.

Aware of this hostility, many who join the franchise are prepared for potential backlash. In a recent interview, Naomi Ackie, who portrayed Jannah in Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker, shared how she successfully avoided the racial abuse that other actors, like her co-star John Boyega, faced when their casting was announced.

“I had heard that anyone of color would get wrapped up in some racist shit. I didn’t want to have a place for them to come with their comments. They did some sort of magic thing where I instantly got the checkmark [verification] and all these followers, and then Star Wars came out, and it was fine and I sat with that for a bit. But then I eventually found myself scrolling too much, comparing myself to other people and becoming jealous, sad and depressed.

I started putting stuff on my page that was attention-seeking. Trying to be funny on my Insta stories, or trying to be hot, trying to be a thirst trap from my fucking house share that I lived in with three other guys. It was like, what the fuck, this is not working at all and I don’t feel good about it. I eventually realized it was time to get rid of it properly.”

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

This is particularly relevant in light of the recent abuse faced by Amandla Stenberg. We must reiterate our strongest condemnation of such behavior, as it is entirely unacceptable.

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