Today's Vanity Fair piece mainly focused on Rosario Dawson's debut as Ahsoka Tano in the latest episode of The Mandalorian, but it also touched on a far more personal issue which has plagued the actress for quite a while.
Last year, Dawson and other members of her family were accused of anti-trans bias by a former friend, and the details of the lawsuit ultimately turned many fans against the actress, even though she's always maintained that the allegations were false and baseless.
When asked what she'd say to the fans who felt they could no longer support her, Dawson responded with the following.
"Well, firstly, I just want to say I understand that, and why people were concerned, and are concerned. I would be, too, if I heard some of those claims. But I mean, as we're seeing right now in these past months, and just recently actually, the truth is coming out. Every single claim of discrimination has been dismissed by the person who made them, and as you've said, the fact that this is coming from someone I've known since I was a teenager, the better part of my life, and who my family was trying to help as we have many times in the past, it really just makes me sad. But I still have a great empathy for him."
As it turns out, 18 of the 20 claims have now been withdrawn voluntarily without a settlement, and her accuser's lawyer left the case. Two counts alleging a physical altercation are still pending, however, and some remain unconvinced of Dawson's innocence.
"The reason that all of the discrimination claims were dropped is because they didn't happen," she added. "I was raised in a very inclusive and loving way, and that's how I've lived my entire life. I've always used my voice to fight for, lift up and empower the LGBTQA community, and use my platform to channel trans voices, in fiction and nonfiction work that I've produced and directed. So I feel the record is really clear."
The fact that the case has (all-but) been dismissed should go a long way towards vindicating Dawson, but there will always be those who choose to believe the worst.
What do you guys make of this situation? Be sure to share your thoughts in the usual place.