The actor, known for her roles in Black Panther and Mangrove, found herself in hot water after sharing an anti-vaccine conspiracy video that also contained transphobic undertones.
Wright shared a link to a video where the host was heard making comments regarding the Coronavirus vaccines.
The presenter in the video, Tomi Arayomi, has explained that he is a “big sceptic of needles and vacciniations in general” which is why he is undecided on the Covid-19 vaccine and whether he will take it.
He also admitted that he does not “understand vaccines medically,” and that people taking the vaccines should “hope it doesn’t make extra limbs grow.”
In the video, Arayomi also states that “technically, biologically” he does not “believe” in trans identities.
Facing the backlash, Wright, who plays T’Challa’s sister, Shuri, responded to criticism on twitter by saying she wasn’t against vaccines, but it was important to “ask questions.”
Fans of the Black Panther actress were quick to correct her. They shared their opinions regarding her stance on the Covid-19 vaccine on Twitter.
No, you are spreading misinformation and fear, especially in the Black community which has been impacted most. It’s irresponsible and arrogant. The video you posted isn’t from a doctor or scientist, but from some random dude on YouTube.
— Ashley Alese Edwards (@AshleyAlese) December 4, 2020
Fans even went on to joke that the star should be named “Letitia Wrong” on the basis that she shared the video with baseless, non-medically-backed opinions.
Letitia Wright shared an antivaxx video which featured transphobic comments & is trying to justify it by saying you should “question” things.
Letitia Wright? More like Letitia Wrong.
— 𝓢𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓪 𝓑𝓮𝓬𝓴𝔂🧑🏻🎄 (@BeckySnowden92) December 4, 2020
Letitia made a tweet in apology after reviewing backlash from fans and wrote: “my intention was not to hurt anyone, my ONLY intention of posting the video was it raised my concerns with what the vaccine contains and what we are putting in our bodies.” She also said, “If you don’t conform to popular opinions, but ask questions and think for yourself…you get cancelled.”
Wright’s tweets are now deleted alongside her official Twitter account.
Words by Cora Dixon
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