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The Acolyte is the latest installment in the Star Wars franchise, but it has been regarded as one of the weaker entries in the series’ long history. Despite Disney investing approximately $160 million in its production, the show ultimately fell flat.
Its low viewership led to its cancellation after just eight episodes. Opinions vary on the reasons for its cancellation, with some attributing it to racism and misogyny.
This seems to be a recurring theme in online discussions about the show. During its airing, Amandla Stenberg, who played twins Osha and Mae, was reportedly targeted by racists.
In response, she even wrote and self-published a song to confront them. Now, Jodie Turner-Smith, who portrayed Mother Aniseya, has criticized Disney for not addressing the racists and critics of the show.
In a recent interview with Glamour Magazine, Smith had some pointed remarks for the media company:
They’ve got to stop doing this thing where they don’t say anything when people are getting fucking dog-piled on the internet with racism and bullshit. It’s just not fair to not say anything. It’s really unfair.
While Disney should have supported the stars if they could provide valid evidence of racism directed at them, it’s challenging to dismiss legitimate criticism that the show simply isn’t good.
Nevertheless, Smith makes some valid points; it’s no longer “dangerous” to speak out publicly against racism. Times have changed, and Black individuals are participating in the entertainment industry like never before.
It would just be nice if the people that have all the money, were showing their support and putting their feet down. Say this is unacceptable: ‘You’re not a fan if you do this.’ Make a really big statement and just see if any money leaves. I bet you it won’t, because people of colour, and especially Black people, make up a very large percentage of buying power. They might find that it’s actually more lucrative for them, but everyone’s using ‘woke’ like it’s a dirty word.
Smith also included white men in her comments, asserting that Black individuals cannot fail upward in the same way that white men can.
We don’t get to fail upwards like a lot of white men. I just feel that some people are allowed to grow and others have to be perfect, and if they’re not perfect – even when it’s great – people want to fucking tear it apart.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Did Disney make a mistake by remaining silent about the abuse? Share your opinions in the comments below!