‘The Acolyte’ Series Faces Backlash Over LGBTQ Representation—Conservative Critics Review-Bomb
Topline
The new “Star Wars” series “The Acolyte” has come under fire from conservative critics after star Amandla Stenberg and creator Leslye Headland made jokes about the series being the “gayest” entry in the franchise and speculated about a lesbian R2-D2. This has led to a review-bombing campaign against the show and backlash from right-wing audiences.
Key Facts
In a viral interview clip, Stenberg and Headland laughed as an interviewer joked about the LGBTQ representation in “The Acolyte,” which prompted negative responses from conservative critics.
The series has received low audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, but has been praised by critics for its creativity and refreshing take on the “Star Wars” universe.
Conservative pundits like Ben Shapiro and Isabel Brown have criticized the show for its focus on LGBTQ themes, while right-wing social media accounts have amplified the backlash against the series.
Despite the controversy, “The Acolyte” has had a successful debut on Disney+ with millions of views in its first day of streaming.
Chief Critics
Ben Shapiro and Isabel Brown from the Daily Wire have been vocal in their criticism of “The Acolyte,” accusing Disney of pushing an LGBTQ agenda in the series.
Conservative social media accounts like End Wokeness have joined the backlash against the show, sparking further controversy online.
Critics and audiences have clashed over the representation of LGBTQ characters in “The Acolyte,” highlighting the ongoing debate over diversity and inclusion in popular media.
Crucial Quote
Amandla Stenberg addressed the criticism of the show, stating that there is a pushback against LGBTQ representation in “The Acolyte,” but also acknowledging the support from Black creators and fans who appreciate the diversity in the series.
Contra
Despite the negative reviews from conservative critics, “The Acolyte” has been well-received by critics and audiences alike, with praise for its creative storytelling and character development.
The show’s success on Disney+ indicates a strong fan base and interest in the series, despite the controversy surrounding its LGBTQ representation.
Surprising Fact
“The Acolyte” is not the first “Star Wars” project to face backlash over LGBTQ themes, as other Disney projects have also been criticized for their diversity and inclusion efforts.
Director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s comments about directing a “Star Wars” film have sparked controversy, highlighting the ongoing debate over representation and inclusion in popular media.
Tangent
“The Acolyte” is part of a larger trend of Disney projects facing accusations of being “too woke” by conservative critics, with other films and series also coming under fire for their diversity and inclusion efforts.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has addressed the criticism of the company’s projects, emphasizing that the focus is on entertainment rather than promoting specific messages in their content.
Key Background
“The Acolyte” is a new “Star Wars” series that takes place before the events of the main films, focusing on Jedi characters investigating crimes in the galaxy.
The show has a diverse cast and creative storytelling, which has attracted both praise and criticism from audiences and critics alike.
Further Reading
Forbes: Companies Blasted For Supporting LGBTQ Pride Last Year—Like Nike And Target—Appear To Pull Back In 2024
Variety: ‘The Acolyte’ Reaches 4.8 Million Views in One Day, Biggest Disney+ Launch of 2024
Forbes: Definitive Guide To The Anti-‘Woke’ Protests: From Bud Light To Target To The U.S. Navy—And Everyone Else
Forbes: Upcoming ‘Star Wars’ Film Attacked As ‘Woke’ By Right-Wing Critics Over Director’s Feminist Comments