Part 6/10:
The controversy surrounding The Acolyte is not occurring in a vacuum. The Star Wars franchise has historically faced harsh criticism, often for cultural or ideological reasons. A pertinent example is the attack on actor Ahmed Best, who played Jar Jar Binks. Best has publicly shared his struggles with mental health after being vilified by media and fans, illustrating the darker side of fandom toxicity.
Critics and fans argue that the current culture amplifies these issues, making it increasingly dangerous to express genuine love for Star Wars without facing hostility. The narrative is often framed around the idea that media outlets and internal franchise staff are more committed to pushing identity politics than to delivering quality stories that resonate with fans.