Following fans' criticism over leaked set photo of her character, the actress explains in an Instagam post that the photo doesn't do the actual portrayal of the alien princess justice.
- Apr 14, 2018
AceShowbiz - "Titans" star Anna Diop breaks her silence on people's criticism of previously-leaked photo of her character on the upcoming DC Comics-inspired live action series. Anna, who plays Tamaran warrior Starfire, takes to Instagram to defend the show, suggesting that the photo doesn't do the actual portrayal of the alien princess justice.
"To the 'Titans' fans: Yesterday a photo of me on set leaked online. And it was unfortunate because fans have been waiting MONTHS for a photo of 'Starfire' and a sloppy photo of me on a curb in 15 degree weather is what they got instead," she writes in the caption. "For the sake of our incredible fans - I hated that this is the first picture people are seeing."
She continues, "It's out of context and it's a misrepresentation of the incredible character I get to play. And also a misrepresentation of the phenomenal production behind it all."
The "24: Legacy" actress also says that the "hate speech that followed was deplorable." She continues, "And though I am highly unbothered, I do want to use this as an opportunity to say that tearing people down is not something that I tolerate. For myself or anyone else. Too often social media is abused by some who find refuge in the anonymity and detachment it provides: misused as a tool to harass, abuse, and spew hatred at others. This is weak, sad, and a direct reflection of the abuser."
"Racist, derogatory, and/or cruel comments have nothing to do with the person on the receiving end of that abuse. And because I know this - I'm unfazed :)" she writes, adding, "Whatever ugly and negative thing anyone ever chooses to say about you is always a reflection and revelation of themselves- it does NOT define you, and it certainly does NOT make you any less perfect than you are."
The aforementioned photo, which was taken from the show's Toronto set, featured Anna in full Starfire costume. She could be seen rocking a curly red wig and a purple dress. She completed her look with a pair of suede knee-length boots and a fury coat.
A fan came with a sarcastic remark, saying, "Oh man, #Titans nailed Starfire. Looks identical." One other opted for a more straightforward comment, writing, "She looks like trash, this is worse than suicide squad levels of costume design."
Executive produced by Akiva Goldsman, Geoff Johns, Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter, "Titans" live-action TV series is slated to debut later this year on DC's upcoming streaming service.
