Comedian and actress Leslie Jones has spoken candidly about the torrent of racist and sexist abuse she endured after being cast in the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot. The star, known for her work on Saturday Night Live, faced relentless online harassment, including death threats, simply for taking on the role.
The Dark Side of Fame
Jones revealed that the backlash was so severe it forced her to temporarily leave social media. "It was like being in a horror movie," she said. "People were attacking me just because I was a Black woman in a role they didn’t think I deserved."
A Wider Issue in Hollywood
Her experience sheds light on the broader problem of discrimination in the entertainment industry. Despite the film’s success, Jones’ treatment highlights how women of colour often face disproportionate levels of abuse for simply doing their jobs.
"It’s exhausting," Jones admitted. "But I won’t let it silence me. If anything, it’s made me more determined to speak out."
Moving Forward
Since the ordeal, Jones has become an advocate for mental health and online safety, using her platform to support others facing similar challenges. Her resilience serves as an inspiration to many, proving that even in the face of hate, strength and humour can prevail.
