Jodie Turner-Smith criticizes Disney for failing to protect cast amid "The Acolyte" backlash

Amid heavy review-bombing and racial attacks, Turner-Smith urges Disney to take a stance in protecting its actors.

Jodie Turner-Smith, star of Disney+’s The Acolyte, has publicly criticized Disney for its lack of action in protecting the cast from online abuse. The Star Wars spin-off series, led by showrunner Leslye Headland, has faced significant backlash since its debut, with many actors becoming targets of toxic fandom. Speaking in a recent interview with Glamour, Turner-Smith expressed her disappointment at how Disney handled the situation, pointing out that the company remained silent during the review-bombing and racial attacks aimed at the show and its stars.

Turner-Smith, who played the role of Force cultist Mother Aniseya, highlighted the emotional toll it took on her and her co-stars, especially Amandla Stenberg, who received hate online. She emphasized the need for studios like Disney to actively defend their cast from such attacks, stating that the studio should make bold statements denouncing toxic behavior from fans.

The Acolyte, which was canceled after just one season due to low viewership and a ballooning $230 million budget, faced criticism on multiple fronts. While some fans took issue with the pacing and character development, others resorted to racist and offensive remarks online. Despite the controversies, Turner-Smith believes that Disney’s reluctance to address the situation amplified the negative discourse surrounding the show.

The backlash surrounding The Acolyte continues to raise questions about how studios should handle toxic fandom, with many urging a more proactive approach in supporting diverse cast members.