Disney+(NEW YORK) — Former MMA fighter-turned actress Gina Carano found herself the center of a viral support campaign over the weekend by defenders of her and her Mandalorian character, Cara Dune.
Carano had been the target of relentless attacks from some on social media that started when people accused her of being transphobic — something she’s roundly denied — when she made an R2-D2 joke on her Twitter profile, putting “beep/bop/boop” where some choose to highlight their preferred pronouns.
A “cancel” campaign of #FireGinaCarano soon followed, with some users even baiting her to “say ACAB” — the acronym meaning “All Cops Are Bast****”, which had been seen throughout the summer of anti-police protests — then accusing her of being a racist when she refused. The hashtag #FireGinaCarano went viral after that.
In a conversation with the fandom YouTube channel Drunk 3PO, Carano said of standing her ground, “…I’ve seen people get bullied off of Twitter on both sides. I don’t like bullying…but if I don’t stay present then other people win, other people win in bullying people off of platforms and there needs to be a more balanced platform.”
However, a Twitter user named RoarAshley called on Carano’s fans to make their voices heard on Saturday. “Star Wars is not about attacking others,” the 29-year-old posted. “It’s a universe that has a place for all of us. …As I always say love & kindness ignites the future, it totally silences hate.”
He suggested that fans send their support on Saturday, with the hashtag #WeLoveCaraDune — and fans came out in droves, posting artwork, and words of support in such numbers that the hashtag made it to #4 trending in the U.S., and #23 globally.
Star Wars is owned by Disney, the parent company of ABC News.
By Stephen Iervolino
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