‘Wicked’ Actor Marissa Bode Condemns Ableist Jokes About Her Character

Overview

• Marissa Bode, who portrays Nessarose in the film adaptation of 'Wicked,' addressed offensive jokes targeting her character's disability and her own in a TikTok video.
• Bode emphasized that while it is acceptable to critique fictional characters, making jokes about disability crosses a line as it impacts real people, including herself.
• She described the comments as harmful and rooted in ignorance, noting that they perpetuate ableism and can negatively affect younger disabled individuals online.
• Bode urged non-disabled individuals to educate themselves about ableism and the disability rights movement, suggesting resources like the documentary 'Crip Camp.'
• As the first wheelchair user to play Nessarose, Bode highlighted the importance of authentic representation in media and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to portray the role.