Jodie Turner-Smith Criticizes Disney for Failing to Support Cast Against Racism

The entertainment industry has been under scrutiny for its handling of racism and online harassment, particularly in the wake of recent comments made by Jodie Turner-Smith, a star of the now-canceled Disney+ series "The Acolyte." In a recent interview, Turner-Smith expressed her disappointment with Disney and other studios for their lack of action in defending their cast members against the rampant bigotry that often surfaces online. This issue has gained traction as fans rally for the continuation of the series, which featured a diverse cast and rich storytelling.

Turner-Smith's remarks highlight a significant concern within Hollywood: the silence of major studios in the face of online harassment. She stated, "They’ve got to stop doing this thing where they don’t say anything when people are getting f*cking dog-piled on the internet with racism and bullsh*t. It’s just not fair to not say anything. It’s really unfair." This sentiment resonates with many who believe that companies should take a stand against hate speech and support their actors, especially those from marginalized communities.

In her interview, Turner-Smith called for a more proactive approach from Disney, suggesting that the company should publicly denounce racist behavior among fans. She argued that a strong statement could not only show support for the cast but also potentially benefit the company financially, as people of color represent a significant portion of the consumer market. "Say this is unacceptable: ‘You’re not a fan if you do this,’" she urged, emphasizing the need for accountability.

Turner-Smith is not alone in her concerns. Fellow cast member Amandla Stenberg has also spoken out, releasing a song addressing the racism she faced during the show's first season. The issue of online harassment is not new to the Star Wars franchise; in 2022, actress Moses Ingram revealed that she received numerous racist messages after her debut in the series. Ingram's situation prompted a rare response from the official Star Wars social media accounts, which condemned the racism and expressed support for her.

Despite these instances, many feel that Disney's overall response to such issues has been inadequate. John Boyega, known for his role in the sequel trilogy, has previously criticized studios for failing to advocate for their actors when they face backlash related to their casting, particularly when it involves race. This ongoing dialogue about racism in Hollywood has led to discussions about how studios are managing "toxic fandom" and the measures they are taking to protect their stars.

Turner-Smith's comments come at a time when the industry is grappling with how to address these challenges. She remains hopeful that public opinion will shift, stating, "Opinions change. What’s in vogue changes. We’re gonna get there at some point, to that place where people stop having a stick up their arse about people of colour being a part of IPs that were created by white people." This optimism reflects a broader desire for change within the industry, as audiences increasingly demand representation and inclusivity.

The conversation surrounding racism and online harassment in Hollywood is far from over. As stars like Jodie Turner-Smith and Amandla Stenberg continue to speak out, it is crucial for studios to listen and take meaningful action. The entertainment industry has the power to influence societal attitudes, and by standing against racism, it can foster a more inclusive environment for all artists. Ultimately, the hope is that as awareness grows, so too will the commitment to creating a space where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background.