TITANS: Starfire Actress Anna Diop Responds To Set Photo Backlash & Speaks Out Against Hate Speech
Photos from the set of Titans recently surfaced, and to say the response was mixed would be putting things lightly. Now, the show's star Anna Diop has responded to the poor reception of Starfire's costume.
Just recently several photos from the set of Titans found their way online, which showcased characters like Starfire and Beast Boy. Unlike previous photos, which revealed the looks of Robin, Hawk and Dove, the photos of Starfire and Beast Boy were met with an overwhelmingly negative response. Some fans even compared their looks to those of Marvel's much-maligned tv series.
While there were certainly comments from fans that politely poked fun at, or criticized, the outfits of our heroes, Anna Diop’s Starfire also received a fair share of hate speech. In response, the actress has taken to her Instagram to not only respond to the legitimate criticisms and worries of fans, but to condemn those who responded with hate speech.
“Yesterday a photo of me on set leaked online,” Diop wrote to her followers in her Instagram post, which was accompanied by a black-and-white photo of the actress. “And it was unfortunate because fans have been waiting MONTHS for a photo of ‘Starfire’ and a sloppy photo of me on a curb in 15 degree weather is what they got instead.”
Clearly, the actress is aware of how her character appears in the recent set photos, as she goes on to call the photos a “misrepresentation” of the quality of the character and the production, and explains that she hates “that this is the first picture people are seeing.”
Finally, the Titans’ star used the post to address the disgusting hate speech she received in response to the set photos, and hate speech in general:
“With that said - the hate speech that followed was deplorable. And though I am highly unbothered, I do want to use this as an opportunity to say that tearing people down is not something that I tolerate. For myself or anyone else. Too often social media is abused by some who find refuge in the anonymity and detachment it provides: misused as a tool to harass, abuse, and spew hatred at others. This is weak, sad, and a direct reflection of the abuser.
Racist, derogatory, and/or cruel comments have nothing to do with the person on the receiving end of that abuse. And because I know this - I’m unfazed. But for anyone out there who may not - I am here to remind you that whatever ugly and negative thing anyone ever chooses to say about you is always a reflection and revelation of themselves- it does NOT define you, and it certainly does NOT make you any less perfect than you are - Be you! Stay beautiful! Live breezy. As always, Much love.“
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time someone involved in the production of a show or movie have been subjected to harassment and hate speech in response to their work. Thankfully, Diop is still going strong and isn’t letting the comments bring her down. Also, it’s wonderful to see the actress bring some of that heroism we expect to see from her character to the real world by expressing her support for others experiencing such treatment