Marissa Bode Condemns Ableist Jokes About Her 'Wicked' Character's Disability

The actor, the first wheelchair user to portray Nessarose, speaks out against harmful comments about disability after the film's record-breaking debut.

• Marissa Bode, who plays Nessarose in the 'Wicked' movie, addressed ableist jokes targeting her character's disability in a TikTok video.
• Bode emphasized that while criticism of fictional characters is valid, jokes about disability are harmful because disability is not fictional.
• The actor described receiving comments such as suggestions that her character 'deserves her disability' as 'gross and harmful.'
• Bode, who uses a wheelchair following a childhood accident, highlighted the importance of authentic representation in major productions like 'Wicked.'
• She called for greater understanding and listening, noting that ableist jokes reflect ignorance and can deeply affect disabled individuals, especially younger audiences.

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