English actor Paapa Essiedu has opened up about the wave of racist abuse and death threats he has received following his casting as Severus Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series.
The 35-year-old stage and screen performer revealed that the backlash, which emerged after the casting announcement, has taken a toll on his mental health. Speaking candidly, Essiedu said he has encountered alarming messages online, including threats to his life, simply for taking on the iconic role.
He noted that while he does not believe the threats will be carried out, the experience remains deeply unsettling. According to him, no one should have to endure such hostility for doing their job—especially in a role as imaginative as portraying a wizard in the Harry Potter universe.
Despite the intensity of the abuse, Essiedu made it clear he has no intention of withdrawing from social media, arguing that ignoring the problem does not make it disappear. He stressed that racism remains a persistent issue, and staying silent or offline would not address its root causes.
The actor’s comments have sparked renewed conversations about online toxicity and discrimination in the entertainment industry, particularly when it comes to casting decisions in globally recognised franchises.