The Time “Rings of Power” Stood Up Against a Flood of Hate
After a barrage of nasty, racist attacks, Amazon Prime Video dropped a heartfelt tweet that made it crystal clear: they’re not just going to sit on the sidelines. The “Lord of The Rings: Rings of Power” crew is saying no to the kind of racism, threats, and harassment that BIPOC cast members have had to endure every single day.
The Backlash That Started It All
- Who was being targeted? Characters of colour that were announced in the cast list drew hate fire from the first day.
- Why? Some people lied and said the show was “misrepresenting” Tolkien’s world.
- What didn’t they get? A fact that a fantasy realm isn’t just a white‑boy playground.
When the premiere rolled out and the trolls pounced, Amazon had to make a tough call: they shut down the comment section to stop a review bombing spree that could unfairly ruin the show’s reputation.
What the Cast Said
The tweet from the “Rings of Power” crew reads like a warm, solidarity‑heavy ping‑back to those hurt by hate:
“We, the cast of Rings of Power, stand together in absolute solidarity and against the relentless racism, threats, harassment, and abuse some of our cast mates of colour are being subject to on a daily basis.”
“We refuse to ignore it or tolerate it.”
They pointed out that Tolkien’s world is truly multiracial, complete with folks from all walks of life uniting against evil. “Middle‑earth is not all white,” they added, and that BIPOC belong in Middle‑earth — and they’re here to stay.
They Shout Out to Fans
They weren’t just talking about the cast; they lifted their voices to everyone who truly matters:
- “Fans that support us” — especially those who face hate just for loving the fandom.
- “We see you, your bravery, and endless creativity.” Cosplay, fan‑art, the whole shebang is what keeps this community vibrant.
- “You are valid, you are loved, and you belong.”
- “You are an integral part of the LORT family.”
In end note, a gentle Elvish goodbye: Namárië, meaning “farewell.”
Reactions from the Twitterverse
- Some people were grateful that the show stood against racism.
- Others thought the trolling had nothing to do with race — maybe just the show’s quality or drama.
Past Scar‑Sprays Against BIPOC Talent
“Rings of Power” isn’t the first sci‑fi (or fantasy) show to face this kind of harassment. In 2022, Moses Ingram in Star Wars: Obi‑Wan Kenobi and Leah Jeffries in the upcoming Percy Jackson series also endured similar hate.
It’s clear that when a powerful cultural narrative like Tolkien’s is re‑imagined for today’s audiences, it brings both fans and detractors into one explosive discussion. The important takeaway? Standing up for diversity, dignity, and belonging matters — and the “Rings of Power” crew are stoked to back that up.
