Ayo Edebiri Targeted with Racist Abuse Following Elon Musk’s False ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Claim
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A fabricated report claiming Ayo Edebiri would replace Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise sparked a wave of online harassment against the actress, highlighting the dangers of misinformation and the escalating toxicity of online fan culture.
The false story, initially circulated by Elon Musk who also shared sentiments of “Disney sucks,” quickly gained traction before being debunked. However, the damage was already done. Edebiri found herself the target of virulent attacks, including death threats and racial slurs.
The Fallout from a False Report
According to Edebiri, the experience was profoundly disturbing. “I remember the craziest death threats and racial slurs I’ve ever received in my life (I don’t know if it’s my best moment, but definitely top three) because of this guy’s fake reboot of a movie I’ve never heard of. So not only is he a double jig-hailing fascist, but he’s also an idiot,” she stated.
The initial report, falsely attributed to Variety, was described as “not even at the level of gossip.” Despite its lack of credibility, the story was widely disseminated as fact, leading to a coordinated online assault against Edebiri. One disturbing aspect of the situation was the language used by perpetrators, with reports indicating they “literally lynched the actor online.”
Disney’s Plans for the Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise
Despite the false casting rumors, the future of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is still evolving. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer confirmed in 2023 that a reboot is in development, spearheaded by Jeff Nathanson, the writer of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
Disney is pursuing two distinct paths for the beloved franchise. In addition to the reboot, a spin-off film starring Margot Robbie is also in the works. .
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of spreading misinformation online and the urgent need for platforms to address the escalating problem of online harassment. The ease with which false narratives can take hold and inflict harm underscores the importance of critical thinking and responsible information sharing in the digital age.
