Skip To...
Wicked‘s Marissa Bode has seen the negative comments about Nessarose on TikTok. While she thinks everyone has a right to share their opinion about her character, Bode says some fans have crossed a line by making fun of her disability. Since the “jokes” have gotten out of hand, the actress has shared an important message about not mixing fiction with reality. “At the end of the day, me, Marissa, is the person that is still disabled and in a wheelchair,” she said.
Wicked’s Marissa Bode Talks About the Criticism Toward Nessarose On TikTok
Marissa Bode addressed the situation in her latest TikTok video. During the clip, the star began by sharing her excitement for the release of Wicked. The film premiered a week ago on Friday, Nov. 22. As a huge fan of the franchise, Bode said she’s been thrilled to finally see everyone’s reactions toward the movie. Although she’s grateful for those who’ve shown nothing but love for the project, she’s aware some have criticized it. Unfortunately, some of that negativity has been aimed at her character, Nessarose.
As the actress who brought her to life, Bode admitted she has a “bias” toward the character. However, she understands why some people may not be the biggest fan. “I think Nessa is complex,” she said. While she agrees that Nessarose could be a “better sister” to Elphaba in the film, Bode doesn’t think she’s “an intentional villain.” She said that Nessarose’s multi-dimensional personality only emphasizes the message behind the movie, which is about how every character is a little bit wicked. “The movie wouldn’t be what it was if there weren’t different opinions on the characters,” she said.
Taking Things Too Far
Marissa Bode said that it’s “okay” to not like Nessarose because’s she a fictional character. However, what’s not acceptable is making fun of her disability. “Aggressive comments and ‘jokes’ about Nessa’s disability are deeply uncomfortable because disability is not fictional,” Bode said. The actress called out fans for being too “comfortable” making Nessarose’s wheelchair use the punchline of a joke. Since she’s all too familiar with this, Bode said it feels like people are “laughing at” her rather than “with her.”
The star revealed that some of the most disturbing comments she’s seen have involved cruel jokes about pushing Nessarose out of her wheelchair. Meanwhile, others have expressed hate for Nessarose by saying she “deserves” her disability. Unfortunately, Bode revealed she’s heard similar comments in her own life.
Because of this, Marissa Bode ended her TikTok by urging fans to be kinder and more empathetic. “One of the major themes within Wicked is having the ability to listen and to understand one another,” she said. “And I truly hope that is something a lot of you can practice more and take with you.”
Check out Bode’s TikTok below.
