Queer 'WICKED' Star Calls Out Ableism

Подробнее о видео

Queer ‘Wicked’ Actress Marissa Bode, who plays Elphaba’s sister Nessarose in the film, has called out ‘gross and harmful’ comments about her character’s disability since the movie's release.

Marissa, who uses a wheelchair, said that her TikTok comments have been flooded by people mocking her character's disability, and wishing her harm, comments which she says she has deleted.
“These comments aren’t original. And when these jokes are being made by non disabled strangers with a punchline of not being able to walk it very much feels like laughing at rather than laughing with.”

Marissa said not liking her character is fine, but the threatening comments are taking it too far. She goes on to explain what impact these comments might have on other disabled people who see them.
“Thankfully, I’m at a place in my life today where I can recognise these jokes about disability are made out of ignorance. I couldn’t say the same about Marissa ten years ago and it would have affected younger me a lot more and I am worried that a younger version of myself is somewhere on the internet and is harmed by these comments.”

Marissa isn’t short of support though, and fans were particularly happy when they discovered the 24-year-old actress was in a queer relationship with writer Lauren Brooks. Fans found Marissa's social media, where she shares snaps of them together, and users were overjoyed.

One wrote: ‘sobbing finding out that you’re not only a huge inspiration as an actor but you’re also queer?!! we love you here’ . Marissa doesn’t shy away from flaunting her partner, in October 2024, she shared pictures of them wearing outfits inspired by Chappell Roan’s “Casual” music video, captioning it ‘Is it casual now? (It definitely isn’t lol)’.
Fans drew attention to the fact that the Wicked cast have quite a few queer castmembers, from Jonathan Bailey, to Bowen Yang and Cynthia Erivo.

Responding to a picture of Marissa and her partner at the Wicked premiere, one user said ‘I love that everyone is gay’. Lauren, who is also a wheelchair user, is also no stranger to showcasing their relationship online. They posted this in September 2024, with the caption ‘happy one year to marissa and i. queer disabled love is life-changing. that’s all, thank you’. And a few months prior shared these wholesome pics of them at LA Pride together. #wicked #nessarose #marissabode #lgbt #disability #pride #ableism

Subscribe to PinkNews:

Instagram:

Twitter:

Facebook: