The Percy Jackson author Rick Riordan published a blog post defending the newly cast Leah Jeffries from the racist backlash against her.
Jeffries is set to play Annabeth Chase in the upcoming Disney+ series Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Annabeth Chase is written in the novel as a white girl with blonde hair, and for this reason, some fans were against the decision to cast Jeffries — who is Black — for the role.
Riordan started his post by addressing those who are upset with the casting.
“This post is specifically for those who have a problem with the casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase,” the author wrote. “It’s a shame such posts need to be written, but they do. First, let me be clear I am speaking here only for myself. These thoughts are mine alone. They do not necessarily reflect or represent the opinions of any part of Disney, the TV show, the production team, or the Jeffries family.”
When Riordan and Disney opened the casting call for the series, they followed Disney’s company policy on nondiscrimination – diverse, inclusive casting. For every role, talents were welcome to audition without regard to disability, gender, race and ethnicity, age, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Riordan went on to explain how he picked the cast. He wrote, “I have been clear, as the author, that I was looking for the best actors to inhabit and bring to life the personalities of these characters, and that physical appearance was secondary for me. We did that. We took a year to do this process thoroughly and find the best of the best. This trio is the best. Leah Jeffries is Annabeth Chase.”
“You are judging her appropriateness for this role solely and exclusively on how she looks. She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as white. Friends, that is racism.” – Rick Riordan
Since the reveal of the complete cast, Jeffries has been receiving a lot of bullying, racist, and hate comments about her being cast as Annabeth Chase.
Although there are a lot of negative comments, there are also positive comments showing support and appreciation for Jeffries.
#LeahisOurAnnabeth y'all. no changing that. if u dont like it unfollow, block me, whatever — just dont interact. i WILL NOT tolerate any hate towards her. uncle rick is very clear on her talent. she's gonna be amazing, and she. is. our. annabeth. that's that. pic.twitter.com/e64u7hQXhY
— no context percy jackson (@nocontextpjo) May 10, 2022
“annabeth has to be book accurate” was an excuse for thinly veiled racism, and once rr said annabeth doesnt have to look exactly like how shes described in the books, ppl ran out of excuses to hide their racism and resorted to threatening a 12 year old girl. #LeahIsOurAnnabeth
— nico (@stakesatrisk) May 10, 2022
Black girls shouldn't have to be strong. Let them be soft, let them be carefree, let them be whoever they want to be! ✨ Black girls may be magic, but they deserve to be protected. ⚔️ We ride for Leah Jeffries! #LeahIsOurAnnabeth pic.twitter.com/CP3FRMyDir
— Black Girls Create (@blkgirlscreate) May 10, 2022
#LeahisOurAnnabeth She is a child, please let’s remember this. Black girls are often praised for the resilience they show when faced with violence.
She is a child and should be protected from the harm she is facing rn.
— Faridah is mostly away (@faridahlikestea) May 10, 2022
Those of you harassing, abusing, maligning and degrading a 12 year old for excelling in her craft and winning a role are disgusting racists. Period. No discussion. #LeahisOurAnnabeth and she will be protected, defended and respected as such. Shine on, babygirl. We got you. pic.twitter.com/hl6zFPw9j3
— Dylan St. Jaymes (@Dylan_StJaymes) May 10, 2022
Even actress Alexandra Daddario, who previously portrayed Annabeth Chase in the film adaptations of the first two Percy Jackson books, showed her support for Jeffries.
Leah Jeffries is going to be an incredible Annabeth!!!
— Alexandra Daddario (@AADaddario) May 10, 2022
Riordan defended his decision to cast Jeffries for the role of Annabeth, saying that the young actress possesses much of Annabeth’s strength.
“Leah brings so much energy and enthusiasm to this role, so much of Annabeth’s strength. She will be a role model for new generations of girls who will see in her the kind of hero they want to be,” he wrote.
In his previous blog post, he described Leah as exactly how he imagined Annabeth in the books: intelligent, strong, and courageous, a true daughter of Athena who has zero patience for the foolishness of a certain Seaweed Brain.
You can read the entire statement of Rick Riordan here.
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