LONDON — Rising British actor Paapa Essiedu has spoken out emotionally after becoming the target of online racist backlash following the announcement that he would portray Severus Snape in the highly anticipated Harry Potter reboot series. The Olivier-nominated star issued a heartfelt plea: “Please stop this and leave me alone,” expressing the emotional toll that the overwhelming negativity has taken on him.

The announcement of Essiedu’s casting, praised by many for its bold and inclusive direction, sparked intense controversy across social media platforms. While some fans embraced the move as a step forward for representation in modern entertainment, others reacted with disturbing hostility—largely rooted in racism and nostalgia bias.

“It’s not about race, it’s about staying true to the original character,” read many comments. But hidden beneath these statements were coded criticisms and targeted hate, making the actor’s experience anything but fair.

Paapa Essiedu, known for his standout roles in “I May Destroy You” and “The Lazarus Project,” was handpicked for his ability to bring complexity and nuance to difficult roles. Yet, instead of celebrating his achievement, a vocal segment of the fanbase chose to weaponize his skin color as a point of attack.

In an emotionally charged post on X (formerly Twitter), Essiedu wrote:
“This was meant to be a dream. Instead, I’m waking up to messages telling me I’m not ‘right’ to play a fictional wizard because of how I look. Please stop this and leave me alone.”

His message quickly went viral, with thousands of fans and fellow actors rallying behind him. The hashtag #WeStandWithPaapa began trending within hours, bringing awareness to the unacceptable abuse he has faced.

The Harry Potter franchise, created by J.K. Rowling, has long been mired in debates about representation. While the original films were a global phenomenon, they’ve also been criticized for their lack of diversity. Warner Bros.’ decision to cast Essiedu as Snape in the upcoming HBO reboot was seen by many as an effort to reimagine the Wizarding World with a broader, more inclusive lens.

However, this bold move has opened a Pandora’s box of racial tensions, revealing how deep-rooted biases still exist in fan communities.

Hollywood figures including Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, and even Emma Watson—who starred in the original films—have voiced their support for Essiedu.

“Paapa is one of the most talented actors of our generation. The hate he’s facing is unjustifiable,” said Kaluuya.

Fans have also taken to platforms like TikTok and Instagram to post tributes and edits featuring Essiedu as Snape, imagining what the character could become in a fresh, reimagined version. Fan art, reaction videos, and supportive comments are now flooding online feeds in a counter-narrative that celebrates diversity and talent.

In interviews following the backlash, Essiedu admitted that while he expected “some resistance,” he did not anticipate the scale of the hate. The constant pressure and public scrutiny have taken a toll on his mental health.

“I can handle criticism,” he said in a recent interview, “but what I’m receiving isn’t criticism—it’s hate masked as opinion.”

His experience echoes those of other Black actors who’ve taken on iconic roles, from John Boyega in Star Wars to Halle Bailey in The Little Mermaid. Each has faced intense backlash not for their performances, but simply for existing in roles traditionally imagined as white.

The controversy surrounding Paapa Essiedu’s casting as Snape is about more than one actor or one franchise. It highlights the ongoing struggle for equality and inclusion in entertainment—and the resistance that often comes with it.

This situation poses important questions:

• Why is representation still such a triggering issue in 2025?

• And why must talented actors of color carry the extra burden of defending their place in roles they’ve earned?

Despite the backlash, HBO has confirmed that the project is moving forward, and production is set to begin later this year. Essiedu, though shaken, remains committed to the role, saying:
“If even one young Black boy sees himself in this character and feels seen, then it’s worth it.”

His strength in the face of adversity may just be the most powerful magic of all.