Anna Diop & Minka Kelly Respond To Titans Starfire Backlash

This past Comic-Con saw WB release the Titans trailer, which offered a first look at the characters in action, but is has not come without criticism and controversy.

In addition to fans not being all the happy with the dark tone and “F’ Batman comment (Geoff Johns addressed those here), fans also weren’t happy, once again, with the look of Anna Diop as Starfire in the Titans trailer.

Things apparently got so bad on social media, that Anna Diop turned off comments on her Instagram. Back when the first Titans set pics from the show revealed her character, similar backlash caused her to release the following statement:

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. For the sake of our incredible fans – I hated that this is the first picture people are seeing. 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.

With that said – the hate speech that followed was deplorable. 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. But for anyone out there who may not – I am here to remind you that 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 – Be you! Stay beautiful! Live breezy. As always,

Much love

Now fellow Titans cast member, Minka Kelly, who plays Dove in the series, took to social media to show her support for Anna Diop:

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge how proud and excited I am to be working alongside @The_AnnaDiop.
In my humble opinion, @DCUTitans, @theDCuniverse and all of their fans are lucky to have her talent, her grace and her beauty on board.
While the abhorrent racism in this country seems to be going nowhere anytime soon (#NiaWilson), the dignity, strength and couth my friend continues to exemplify in the face of it humbles and inspires me.
That so many racist cowards would take the time to attack her instagram so that she has to shut off comments after having already shut down her entire account once before over this bullsh-t makes me feel rage.
Though I also feel a small relief knowing how strong and thick-skinned Anna is.
I know she is and will be ok.
It takes zero courage to sit in your dark lonely room spewing your venom online while protected by your anonymous faceless accounts.
I cannot begin to fathom the courage it requires everyday just to exist as a black woman in this country (#ChikesiaClemons) let alone to also have the audacity to fight for and follow your dreams.
I bow to you, Anna.
I can’t wait for everyone to see the brilliant work you’ve done.
Shine on, my love.
You are a queen and all the people who matter know it.
#IStandWithAnnaDiop

Watch the Titans trailer below, with the series premiering on the new DC Universe streaming network starring Brenton Thwaites as Dick Grayson and Robin, Teagan Croft as Raven, Anna Diop as Starfire, Minka Kelly as Dawn, Alan Ritchson as Hawk and Ryan Potter as Beast Boy.