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

Marissa Bode, the first wheelchair user to play Nessarose, calls out harmful comments about disability in a viral TikTok video.

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.