Indian-American Actor Avantika Faces Racist Backlash for Rumored Casting in Disney’s ‘Tangled: Avantika Vandanapu, an Indian-American actress best known for “Mean Girls,” has faced racist backlash for rumors that she may play Rapunzel in Disney’s “Tangled.”
Without a Disney announcement, social media conjecture over the ethnicity of the “German folk tale” figure has stirred debate. Some fans applauded the idea, but others made racist comments on TikTok and Instagram, saying an Indian woman with long black hair is unfit for the role.
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RACIST REMARKS
A TikTok user suggested a blonde white girl play Rapunzel, implying ethnic exclusivity. Another commentator said, “Rapunzel is a German folktale.” “Indians are not German and never will be.”
Vandanapu got a flood of “reprehensible” Instagram comments, including advice to avoid “ruining Tangled.” “Beautiful, but not my Rapunzel,” Instagram user said.
Engaging in trolling
Halle Bailey played Ariel in “The Little Mermaid,” and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan wanted to be Rapunzel.
South Asian fans quickly praised Vandanapu, noting that the live-action “Tangled” adaptation has not been announced and applauding her acting. “All this racism and delusion for a nonexistent film,” shared a fan.
One asks, “How can you see Avantika and not think of a Disney princess?” Under Vandanapu’s posts, others wrote “My Rapunzel”. “PEOPLE in the comments are too mature to be acting this way about a FAN CAST for a movie that has not even been announced,” her fan said.
“The ease with which individuals are able to spew foul language at her is downright distressing.” If she is cast in the role, she will be my Rapunzel. It’s a film, not the end of the universe. An iconic film, indeed, but a film nonetheless. Provided by Disney. “For children,” an additional advocate stated.
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