Marissa Bode Condemns Ableist Jokes on 'Wicked' Role

Marissa Bode, an actress who uses a wheelchair both on screen and in real life, has condemned ableist jokes and comments about her character Nessarose's disability in the film 'Wicked.' Bode addressed the issue in a TikTok video, highlighting that while it's acceptable to criticize fictional characters like Nessarose, jokes targeting her disability are harmful and uncomfortable. She expressed that such comments feel like laughing at rather than with, as they echo real-life ableist sentiments she and others have faced. Bode emphasized that disability is not fictional, and these comments extend beyond her role, affecting the wider disabled community. This marks the first time the character Nessarose, who is central to the plot, is portrayed by a disabled actor, bringing a new layer of authenticity to the role.