Paapa Essiedu at the 2022 TV Baftas via Associated PressPaapa Essiedu is opening up about the racist abuse he has received since being cast in the upcoming TV adaptation of the Harry Potter books. AdvertisementDuring a new interview in The Times, Essiedu spoke candidly about the abuse he’s been subjected to following his casting, on the basis of his race. “I’m playing a wizard in Harry Potter. That’s motivation to not be intimidated by someone saying they’d rather I died instead of doing work I’m going to be really proud of,” he insisted. Alan Rickman in character as Snape in Harry Potter Warner BrosAdvertisementSince it was announced, the new adaptation of Harry Potter has been met with a notably mixed reaction, not just because of the enduring popularity of the films but also JK Rowling’s involvement in the show as an executive producer.

Source: Huffington Post March 23, 2026 11:56 UTC