Percy Jackson author Rick Riordan condemns racist backlash to Leah Jeffries' casting as Annabeth Chase

Variety

Some fans of Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians novel series have expressed outrage that Jeffries is Black, in contrast to how the character was written. “This post is specifically for those who have a problem with the casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase,” Riordan wrote in a blog post Tuesday, responding to the racist backlash. “It’s a shame such posts need to be written, but they do…The response to the casting of Leah has been overwhelmingly positive and joyous, as it should be. Leah brings so much energy and enthusiasm to this role, so much of Annabeth’s strength. She will be a role model for new generations of girls who will see in her the kind of hero they want to be. If you have a problem with this casting, however, take it up with me. You have no one else to blame. Whatever else you take from this post, we should be able to agree that bullying and harassing a child online is inexcusably wrong. As strong as Leah is, as much as we have discussed the potential for this kind of reaction and the intense pressure this role will bring, the negative comments she has received online are out of line. They need to stop. Now."