Star Wars makes a statement on racism after attacks on Moses Ingram
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Moses Ingram's debut as the lightsaber-wielding Reva in Obi-Wan Kenobi marked a stellar new character arrival to Star Wars. Unfortunately, not everyone felt that way.
In a series of Instagram stories following both the long-awaited Obi-Wan Kenobi premiere and the triumphant return of Star Wars Celebration in California, Ingram shared hurtful messages she'd received via Instagram stories. And on Tuesday, the galaxy far, far away officially made its stance on racism very clear by posting an open message in support of their new star.
"We are proud to welcome Moses Ingram to the Star Wars family and excited for Reva's story to unfold," read the official statement via Twitter. "If anyone intends to make her feel in any way unwelcome, we have only one thing to say: we resist."
In another tweet, the account doubled down on their messaging, adding, "There are more than 20 million sentient species in the Star Wars galaxy, don't choose to be a racist."
We are proud to welcome Moses Ingram to the Star Wars family and excited for Reva’s story to unfold. If anyone intends to make her feel in any way unwelcome, we have only one thing to say: we resist. pic.twitter.com/lZW0yvseBk
— Star Wars (@starwars) May 31, 2022
A similarly worded message was also posted on the official Star Wars Instagram account, along with a photo of Ingram at Star Wars Celebration.
Ingram's situation is sadly far from unique, as other prominent characters of color in the galaxy have become targets of racist comments including Kelly Marie Tran and John Boyega.
Karwai Tang/WireImage 'Star Wars' makes a statement on racism after attacks on actress Moses Ingram
Moses herself responded to the criticism in her Instagram stories, acknowledging that there are "hundreds of racist messages."
"I also see those of you out there who put on a cape for me and that really does mean the world to me, because there's nothing anybody can do about this," she noted. "There's nothing anybody can do to stop this hate." While she admitted she wasn't sure what her goal was by coming forward with her thoughts, she went on to say, "I think the thing that bothers me is sort of this feeling that I just gotta shut up and take it. I just kinda gotta grin and bear it. And I'm not built like that."
Ingram went on to thank "the people who show up for me in the comments, in the places that I'm not gonna put myself" and then closed her thoughts with a sentiment the late Carrie Fisher would be proud of: "To the rest of y'all, y'all weird."
Lucasfilm Ltd. Moses Ingram as Reva in 'Obi-Wan Kenobi.'
Earlier this month, Ingram opened up to EW about the impact of playing a prominent Black character in the franchise.
"I know it's going to mean a lot to a lot of people," she told EW. "It's important that when we turn on the TV, we see the world that we live in reflected back to us in what we're seeing. Representation is so important, and I feel so blessed that I get to be the vehicle that this character comes forth through. I am not worthy."
No matter what Star Wars fans think, the message from the galaxy is clear: everyone is supported and welcome.
Listen to interviews with Obi-Wan Kenobi stars Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Kumail Nanjiani, Rupert Friend and more on EW's new Star Wars podcast, Dagobah Dispatch.
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