Netflix's 'One Piece' team supports Charithra Chandran after racist backlash

Cast supports Charithra Chandran against racism after joining Netflix's One Piece.

: Charithra Chandran faced racist backlash after being cast as Miss Wednesday in Netflix's One Piece. The One Piece cast, including Emily Rudd and Rob Colletti, publicly supported her, denouncing the hate and emphasizing diversity. Rudd highlighted the importance of storytelling in fostering a diverse family both on and off screen. Creator Eiichiro Oda personally selected Chandran, whose portrayal has been praised by her co-stars.

Netflix’s live-action One Piece season 2 faced controversy when the first teaser revealed Charithra Chandran as Nefertari Vivi. Racist backlash arose over her skin tone and ethnicity, with some claiming she did not match the character’s appearance, despite Alabasta’s culture being inspired by the Middle East and Southern Asia.

In response, Chandran posted screenshots of hateful comments on her Instagram stories with a sarcastic caption, “Thank you so much for all your support,” followed by a heart emoji.

Rob Colletti, who plays Wapol, publicly defended Chandran, noting that she was personally chosen by creator Eiichiro Oda. He emphasized her exceptional talent, criticized the racist critiques as “hateful” and “unimaginative,” and highlighted her alignment with the character’s cultural roots.

Emily Rudd, who plays Nami, supported Chandran by reposting Colletti’s statement. She stressed that canon should not be used to justify racism, acknowledged ongoing discussions about MENA representation in Hollywood, and condemned directing hate at an actor fulfilling their role.

The cast’s unified stance reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, prioritizing Oda’s diverse vision and the importance of supporting underrepresented talent over rigid fan expectations.

Sources: Teen Vogue, GamesRadar, Gizmodo

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