Support from One Piece cast for Charithra Chandran following backlash: "Unjustified racism or hate shall not be tolerated, even in the context of established storylines"
One Piece's Charithra Chandran Faces Racist Abuse Amidst Inclusive Casting
In the world of One Piece, diversity is a common theme, yet British Indian actress Charithra Chandran, who will debut as Nefertari Vivi (aka Miss Wednesday) in the upcoming season on Netflix, is facing racist abuse from some fans due to her ethnicity.
Chandran's portrayal of Vivi, who is depicted with fair skin in the original manga and anime, has sparked controversy among some fans who believe she should be white. This rigid expectation of character appearance clashes with the inclusive casting decisions endorsed by the original creator, Eiichiro Oda, and the production team.
Rob Colletti, a fellow cast member playing Wapol, has publicly condemned the racist attacks. In a lengthy statement on Instagram, Colletti emphasised the creator's vision and understanding of the character beyond skin color, stating that Oda personally selected Chandran. Colletti referred to the haters as "ridiculous."
Emily Rudd, who plays Nami in the show, has also expressed her support for Chandran, clarifying that her intention was to flag the hatred directed towards Chandran for doing a job well. Rudd acknowledged the discourse about MENA representation in Hollywood and the need to hold studios accountable for ensuring representation for all.
The cast of One Piece has shown unwavering support for Chandran, with Jacob Romero, Sophia Anne Caruso, and Camrus Johnson among those voicing their support. Colletti argued that casting Chandran is not "changing the character," but "actually honoring Oda's intended vision."
Rob Colletti provided an explanation on the origins of Nefertari, stating that she is Egyptian and the show draws heavily from Middle Eastern and Southern Asian culture. Some fans have expressed disappointment at the missed opportunity to cast an Egyptian actor for Nefertari, but the production team's commitment to inclusivity and representation remains unwavering.
One Piece season 2 is expected to release in early 2026, and fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of this fantastical adventure with its diverse and inclusive cast.
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