Moses Ingram, Ewan McGregorPicture: Kate Green (Getty Images)
Maybe Star Wars has learned a thing or two from its past failures to protect its actors from racism because, this time, the franchise is stepping up its defenses with Obi-Wan himself. Shortly after Moses Ingram made public some of the vile messages he had received from toxic Obi-Wan Kenobi followers, Ewan McGregor shared a video condemning hatred.
The clip, posted on the official Star Wars Twitter channel, began with McGregor thanking the audience for making Obi-Wan “the premiere of the most watched Disney + original series of all time.” He then quickly changed the subject: “However, it seems that some of the fans, from this influential fan base, have decided to attack Moses Ingram online and send him the most horrible and racist direct messages. ‘I heard some this morning and it broke my heart.’
He continued: “Moses is a brilliant actor, she is a brilliant woman and she is absolutely amazing in this series. She contributes both to the series and to the franchise. And it hurt my stomach to hear that this had happened.”
“I just wanted to say as the lead actor of the series and executive producer that we’re with Moses, we love Moses,” McGregor said without hesitation. “And if you send him messages of harassment, you’re not a Star Wars fan in my head. There’s no place for racism in this world. And I’m totally with Moses.”
If anyone’s words can carry weight with racist fanatics, it would be a Star Wars veteran like McGregor (although getting through this hateful fog is a big task for anyone, even for an acclaimed Jedi). That said, co-star Kumail Nanjiani also expressed support, tweeting: “Moses Ingram is a phenomenal person and actor and I’m excited about the decades of incredible work ahead.” I hope the trolls get the message clear and clear.