Jodie Turner-Smith Criticizes Disney Over Acolyte Backlash

Jodie Turner-Smith, known for her role in Disney+'s The Acolyte, has openly criticized Disney for failing to protect its cast from online abuse, particularly targeting Amandla Stenberg, who faced significant harassment. In a recent interview with Glamour, Turner-Smith expressed disappointment in Disney's silence during the backlash, which included racist and misogynistic attacks from fans, and called for studios to take a stronger stance against such behavior. The Acolyte was canceled after one season, with its high budget of $230 million and declining viewership cited as reasons, but many believe the toxic response from a vocal minority also influenced the decision. Turner-Smith emphasized the need for companies to support their cast members publicly, suggesting that doing so could be financially beneficial given the significant buying power of diverse audiences. Her remarks highlight a broader issue of how studios manage toxic fandoms and the emotional toll on actors. This situation raises ongoing questions about the responsibility of entertainment companies to defend their talent in the face of online vitriol.