‘Riverdale’ Called Out for Treating Black Characters as Sidekicks Amid George Floyd Protests
An actress on the popular youth series “Riverdale” is calling out how the show portrays its black characters. Vanessa Morgan, who plays Toni Topaz on the show, expressed her grievance amid the wave of Black Lives Matter protests across the U.S.
Morgan posted a photo to air how she really feels as black woman working on a show dominated by white lead stars.
“Tired of how black people are portrayed in Media, tired of us being portrayed as thugs, dangerous or angry scary people,” Morgan said. “Tired of us also being used as side kick non dimensional characters to our white leads. Or only used in the ads for diversity but not actually in the show. It starts with the media. I’m not being quiet anymore.”
Morgan received a flood of reply for her protest, both negative and positive. The actress replied to one of the comments that she also receives the least amount on talent fees.
The actress, however, had to clarify that she’s not blaming her white co-stars about the inequality after some fans attacked the actors.
“My role on Riverdale has nothing to do with my fellow castmates/friends. They don’t write the show,” the actress said. “So no need to attack them, they don’t call the shots & I know they have my back.”
The network has yet to respond on Morgan’s sentiments. The CW, however, did post on Twitter that they stand by their “black colleagues, storytellers and fans,” adding the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter.
#BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/U2Hb1WCKPC
— The CW (@TheCW) May 31, 2020
It comes as Hollywood, including many networks, participated in #BlackOutTuesday with many going dark for nine minutes. The time represents the number of minutes George Floyd’s neck was under pressure that he couldn’t breathe. The Minneapolis officer who arrested him placed his knee on his neck and didn’t listen when he pleaded for his life. He was not responsive after the incident and was declared dead, thus sparking the outrage.
