HBO's Harry Potter showrunner condemns abuse aimed at Paapa Essiedu

Francesca Gardiner, showrunner of HBO's Harry Potter series, condemned the abuse directed at Paapa Essiedu, who plays Severus Snape in the adaptation, in comments to Vanity Fair. Gardiner said Essiedu has nailed the role and that his performance deserves attention.

Essiedu told Vanity Fair he does not want to talk about J.K. Rowling at all. The actor said trans people, queer people and people of all creeds and color have the right to be treated with respect, dignity and safety.

Essiedu also said some criticism of his acting is legitimate, but that racially driven animosity is different.

The series debuts on Christmas Day on HBO and HBO Max. Essiedu was previously an Emmy nominee for I May Destroy You.

Earlier comments on casting backlash

In March, Essiedu told The Sunday Times he had received racially motivated death threats, including messages saying he would be murdered, and since then he has spoken out about racism he faced online over his casting as Snape. Last month, at the TIME100 Next Gala, he told Variety the Harry Potter team had been supportive of him.