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In efforts to defend their choices, the cast and creators dismissed critics as bigots and racists, propagating the narrative that opposition to the show was rooted solely in prejudice. This tactic backfired, as many viewers viewed it as an attempt to silence legitimate critiques about the deviations from Tolkien's universe.
The Cast and Their Victimhood Narrative
Casting choices further fueled controversy. Ishmael Cruz Cordova, who played the character of Arondir, publicly claimed to have needed therapy due to racist backlash over his casting. He recounted that the confrontation extended beyond social media into real psychological distress, emphasizing that the online harassment had tangible impacts on his mental health.