Title: Voice Actress Tara Strong Fired from Animated Series Amid Controversial Social Media Posts
Byline: By Nika Shakhnazarova
Date: Oct. 18, 2023, 6:58 a.m. ET
Top cartoon voice actress Tara Strong has been let go from her role in the independent animated series “Boxtown” after she made a series of posts about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The actress, known for voicing characters on several Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon shows, including “The PowerPuff Girls” and “Rugrats,” discovered she was fired through social media and claimed it was because of her Jewish heritage.
In a Twitter post, Strong expressed her shock at learning the news online, stating, “Just found out on Twitter! This is what happens when you help fans get shows made I guess. Fired for being Jewish. Glad I helped you get your kickstarter money. Please lose my email address & pray for my family in Israel and in Gaza. #prayforpeace.” Strong wrote this in response to the show’s official account announcing that her role would be recast.
The decision to recast Strong’s role in the series, which was made on Oct. 12, sparked outrage among fans who criticized the show for cutting ties with her. Some fans echoed Strong’s claims that she was fired because of her Jewish background.
In response, the show’s official social media account defended their decision by sharing a post that highlighted the presence of other Jewish actors and writers on the show. Strong also faced criticism, being labeled as “Islamophobic,” to which she responded by clarifying that her posts were directed towards the terrorist organization Hamas, stating, “I’m speaking about the terrorist org HAMAS. We should all be against them.”
On Monday, the “Boxtown” account addressed the decision to let go of Strong and explained their standpoint in a statement on social media. The statement mentioned that their decision was influenced by Strong’s controversial online activity, including posts that promoted controversial messages regarding the peoples of Palestine affected by the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis. The show emphasized a duty to be careful when it comes to hateful messages and misinformation online and stated that their decision was not difficult.
The statement also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian and Israeli children and families affected by the conflict and reiterated the importance of living freely without constant abuse and terror. The post concluded with a hopeful tone, stating, “Our hearts are with the Palestinian and Israeli children and families being affected by the ongoing conflict. People should be able to live freely without being threatened by constant abuse and terror. We are hoping for the best.”
The controversy surrounding Tara Strong’s firing from “Boxtown” highlights the ongoing tension surrounding discussions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the impact it can have on public figures in the entertainment industry.