Vanessa Morgan Calls Out ‘Riverdale’ for Its Portrayal of the Black Community
“[I'm] tired of us also being used as sidekick non-dimensional characters to our White leads.”
Known for her role as Toni Topaz on The CW‘s Riverdale, Vanessa Morgan took to Twitter to reveal the unfair treatment she has received ever since she became the only Black series regular for Season 3. The actress expressed her frustration saying: “Tired of how Black people are portrayed in media, tired of us being portrayed as thugs, dangerous or angry scary people. Tired of us also being used as sidekick non-dimensional characters to our white leads. Or only used in the ads for diversity but not actually in the show.”
One user reached out to Morgan earlier this week and tweeted: “Imagine they’re getting so much more bang for their buck bc ur part of an LGBT storyline too, double the diversity – DOUBLE UR PAYCHECK IMO.” The actress responded: “Too bad I’m the only Black series regular but also paid the least. Girl I could go on for days.” Asha Bromfield, who played Pussycats member Melody Jones, also voiced out her discontent: “Don’t even get me started with how Riverdale treated the Pussycats. We had so much more to contribute than standing in the background and adding sass to a storyline. I stand with you @VanessaMorgan.”
However, Morgan assured fans that her role in Riverdale has nothing to do with her fellow castmates/friends. “They don’t write the show. So no need to attack them, they don’t call the shots & I know they have my back,” she adds. Co-star Lili Reinhart, who plays the role of Betty Cooper, replied: “We love you, V. And support you 10000%.”
The CW has yet to address the issue. Stay tuned while we wait for more updates.
