Paapa Essiedu faces racist abuse for Harry Potter casting
Actor Paapa Essiedu faces racist abuse for playing Snape but handles it with grace.
Paapa Essiedu, who will play Professor Snape in HBO's new Harry Potter series, has been targeted by racist abuse online since his casting was announced in March. Essiedu said he has received death threats and told that he should quit the role because of his race.
HBO showrunner Francesca Gardiner condemned the abuse as appalling, saying Essiedu has handled it with incredible grace and has absolutely nailed the role. When asked about J.K.
Rowling, whose books launched the franchise, Essiedu said he did not want to discuss her. He did emphasise his own beliefs clearly: "Trans people, queer people, people of all creeds and colour have got the right to be treated with respect and dignity and safety at all times."
The series debuts on Christmas Day.
- Paapa Essiedu
- Actor
- Professor Severus Snape
- Role
- March
- Casting announcement
- Christmas Day
- Series premiere
Why it mattersA major casting draws racist abuse, highlighting how online toxicity affects performers in beloved franchises and the stakes of representation in major productions.
AustraliaAustralian audiences will see the new Harry Potter series on HBO Max, and this casting row has already sparked conversation about racism in fan communities across Australia.
