Percy Jackson creator Rick Riordan had to pen a letter supporting Leah Jeffries after she had been cast as Annabeth Chase in the Disney+ series. A number of fans objected to the African-American actress being cast in the role. The conversation turned odious enough for the creative to create a post on his website calling for the end of the harassment the young actor has faced. Aryan Simhadri and Walker Scobell had also been cast for the new series. But, elements of the fandom online have been hyper critical of Jefferies’ inclusion. Other commentators online have likened the treatment of the young actress to how John Boyega and Kelly Marie Tran were treated during their Star Wars tenures.
“You are judging [Leah]’s 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…that is racism.”#LeahIsOurAnnabeth Read Rick’s statement at the link below:https://t.co/DGeOzrjZuw
