Caleb McLaughlin, the star of Stranger Things, recently discussed how racism affected him as a young actor. Caleb McLaughlin, the star of the Netflix series Stranger Things and the show’s famed Lucas Sinclair, recently spoke out about growing up in a racist environment.
At Heroes Comic Con Belgium on Sunday, the actor discussed the early feedback he received and how it affected him. McLaughlin recalled asking himself why he was considered to be the least popular.
When asked about how racism affected him as a young child, McLaughlin said, “It took a toll on me. At my very first Comic-Con, some people didn’t stand in my line because I was Black. Some people told me, “Oh I didn’t want to be in your line because you were mean to Eleven [Millie Bobby Brown],” I didn’t want to be in your line because you were.”
The Stranger Things star went on to say that some people don’t support or follow him because he’s Black and insisted that racism is still present today.
He continued by saying that when he was younger, “it affected” him greatly. He said, “Why am I the least favorite? The least amount of followers? I’m on the same program as everyone from Season 1,” via Variety, recalling how he first began to doubt himself during Season 1.
McLaughlin went on to say that he doesn’t return hate for hate and instead wants to convey optimism and love. Not just Caleb has experienced prejudice from spectators.
Recent incidents of racism online have also affected performers of color including Steve Toussaint, who portrays Lord Corlys on House of the Dragon, and Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel in the upcoming Little Mermaid version.
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