Movies

Wicked Star SHAMES Met Gala! You Won’t BELIEVE What She Said!

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Actress Marissa Bode, known for her roles in popular films, has criticized the entertainment industry for insufficient representation of people with disabilities, expressing her views in a video posted on TikTok on Thursday. The video was shared on her social media platforms.

As a lifestyle expert, I identify with the passion and resilience of the 24-year-old actress who embodies Nessarose in the two-part musical movie adaptation. She has implored the public for empathy and understanding, emphasizing that individuals with disabilities have been pleading, often for decades, to be recognized and included.

Marissa became the initial actress with a disability to take on the character of Nessarose, providing an accurate portrayal and representation for the role.

She’s been a strong proponent for portraying disabled people with dignity in the media, and she’s not shy about criticizing insensitive jokes or remarks that relate to her fictional persona.

Now, the actress has voiced her opinions post Anna Wintour’s yearly charity event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, urging the fashion industry to take greater action in support of individuals with disabilities.

She mentioned: “I’d like to add one more point regarding the Met Gala and the broader context of both the fashion and acting industries. For quite some time now, disabled individuals have been advocating for their inclusion.

Instead of suggesting just a single diversity shoot or featuring someone in a unique episode, consider consistently hiring multiple individuals with diverse abilities. After all, people with disabilities frequently coexist in various social settings in reality.

As a dedicated follower, I must say that although no one among us yearns for a savior to swoop in and rescue us, what we truly seek is to be acknowledged, understood, and involved.

Additionally, it’s relevant to discuss the topic of “inspiration porn,” where people often find it inspiring to talk about disability without taking practical steps to ensure accessibility in daily life. A more active approach would be working together with disabled individuals to advocate for change.

My strong conviction is that, when left alone, it often falls on individuals with disabilities to perform most of the labor due to a lack of alternatives, as survival becomes crucial in such situations. This is essentially my point.

If you find yourself complimenting a person with disabilities as inspiring, while also recognizing that our society may not always be fully accessible for them, consider taking action to make improvements. Ask questions like: “Why isn’t there a ramp here? Who can I talk to about making sure one is installed?” or “Who can I speak to about ensuring our schools provide the necessary support for disabled students?” Also, inquire about ways you can help and find out who you can reach out to for answers and push for these changes.

If you work within the industry and possess the resources, you might be wondering: “Why isn’t there more representation of individuals with disabilities at venues like The Met, and who should I connect with to encourage this change? Why is it that the entertainment industry as a whole lacks a significant number of people with disabilities? Who can I reach out to in order to foster this improvement?

As someone who stands alongside the community of individuals with disabilities, I’ve noticed their calls for attention and representation echoing through the years, as if from a rooftop. It’s crucial that we all amplify these voices and pose thoughtful questions within our own circles to create more inclusive spaces.

Additionally, those who hold power should escalate their efforts. If you genuinely stand with us, take action. Assist us all in reaching our goal since we can’t accomplish it alone.

On multiple occasions, actress Marissa, who plays a role in Wicked, has expressed her opinions. In December, she utilized TikTok to respond to the offensive and damaging comments that have been spreading online since the Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-led movie’s release on November 22.

In her video, she opened by explaining that it’s perfectly acceptable to criticize Nessarose’s actions and character, or even find humor in such topics, since she is a work of fiction.

The actress, whose reported earnings together with those of her fellow Wicked cast members have become widely discussed online, admitted to being a person who enjoys playful banter when it’s enjoyable and not harmful.

Instead, she criticized jokes concerning Nessarose’s disability, finding them distressing.

Bode clarified, “Disability isn’t a figment of imagination; it’s a part of who I am, Marissa, and I remain in a wheelchair despite it all. It’s an easy target for many to joke about or use casually, but it shouldn’t be.

She went on saying, “The comments online extend far past what I can simply brush off, Marissa.

She noted that these comments don’t occur independently, and then proceeded to share instances of insensitive and inappropriate humor that some individuals have directed at her character concerning her disability.

I’d like to rephrase the statement as follows: ‘I’ve heard offensive remarks like threatening to make someone in a wheelchair, such as Nessa, fall, or suggesting they deserve their disability. Such comments are not only distasteful but also harmful to people with disabilities, including myself.’

She stated that when jests about mobility issues are shared by individuals who aren’t disabled, and the joke’s climax is based on the inability to walk, it often seems more like mocking than shared amusement.

In the TikTok clip, she confessed that the scariest aspect of the situation is her hesitation to share and discuss it.

The star admitted, with some apprehension, ‘I’m equally hesitant [to express this],’ adding that they had witnessed the consequences faced by their outspoken disabled peers who challenge ableism and jokes about being labeled as “vegetables” – a term often used derogatorily towards disabled people, as exemplified by comments made about Nessa.

She said she witnessed them being told to ‘just take a joke’ or ‘stop complaining.’ 

Due to the feedback received, they felt compelled to pause their creative endeavors and artistic pursuits temporarily, as a measure to safeguard their mental well-being. She emphasized that this situation was less than ideal.

She suggested that individuals should refrain from disregarding others’ experiences simply because they don’t personally relate or feel the same, as it’s important not to question the validity of another person’s account.

Bode said she’s learned that jokes about disability ‘are made out of ignorance.’

Instead, Bode expressed her desire to voice her concerns in an attempt to prevent others from experiencing harm through such jokes.

She expressed concern that such comments would have greatly impacted a younger version of herself, and she fears there might be a younger version of her somewhere online, being hurt by similar remarks.

I’m aware that, while not in this exact situation, remarks about people with disabilities, including creators, have been made on various platforms that often drive them away from the internet. This isn’t right. Let’s strive to show kindness instead.

In summary, one key theme in Wicked is learning to listen and empathize with others. I sincerely encourage all of you to strive for this skill more often and carry it with you going forward.

In a heading accompanying her video, Bode stated: ‘Representation matters, but it’s not the sole solution for saving the disabled community.’

I require many of you, who are not disabled, to take on tasks. It is essential for you to examine and discard your own ableist views. Pay attention to the experiences of disabled individuals. Look up and follow other disabled people beyond just myself.

As a lifestyle expert, I would encourage you to delve into the rich history of the disability rights movement by doing some thorough reading. Additionally, I highly recommend taking the time to watch the thought-provoking documentary titled “Crip Camp.” These resources will not only enlighten you about this crucial aspect of social justice but also inspire you with stories of resilience and change.

‘People generally dislike the sensation of being reprimanded, yet genuine advancement seldom involves ease. However, it’s important to remember that’s just part of the process.’

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2025-05-08 23:50

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