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Lupita Nyong'o Responds to Racist Backlash over 'The Odyssey' Role
Nyong'o said the criticism will exist whether she engages with it or not, as Nolan called her his first choice for Helen of Troy.
- In a new interview with Elle magazine, Oscar-winning actor Lupita Nyong'o addressed racist backlash following her casting as Helen of Troy in director Christopher Nolan's upcoming film, The Odyssey.
- Billionaire Elon Musk led social media criticism of the decision, accusing Nolan of 'pissing on Homer's grave' and 'desecrating' the ancient writer by casting a Black woman in the role.
- Dismissing the backlash, Nyong'o told Elle she remains 'very supportive of Chris's intention' with the project, stating 'the criticism will exist whether I engage with it or not.'
- Defending the decision, director Nolan called the actor 'incredible,' while comedian Jimmy Kimmel argued 'there are no rules in Greek mythology,' dismissing backlash as coming from 'crazy angry people.'
- Arriving in UK cinemas on July 17, 2026, the film's release highlights a broader pattern of racist abuse faced by Black performers, including actor Paapa Essiedu and actor Leah Jeffries.
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The actress spoke about the controversy generated by her signing on Christopher Nolan's expected tape
Columnist to Musk for Slams Against Black Actor: 'Get a Grip'
Elon Musk has a new fixation, and it's not rockets, robots, or crypto—it's Helen of Troy. Writing for the Guardian , Arwa Mahdawi reports that the billionaire has spent the past week railing on X about Christopher Nolan's upcoming film adaptation of The Odyssey , zeroing in on the decision to...
·Miami, United States
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Lupita Nyong’o shrugs off racist ‘Odyssey’ backlash over Helen of Troy casting
Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o said she’s losing no sleep over racist criticism of her casting as Helen of Troy, the mythic beauty whose face “launched a thousand ships” and ignited the Trojan War
·United States
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Leaning Left8Leaning Right1Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution80% Left
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