Rumors Of Avantika Playing Rapunzel Sparks Racist Backlash

India-West News Desk

LOS ANGELES, CA – Avantika Vandanapu, who was just recently acknowledged by Harvard University, and known for her role in “Mean Girls,” has found herself at the center of a racist storm amid rumors of her potential casting as Rapunzel in a live-action adaptation of Disney’s “Tangled.”

Though Disney has not confirmed any such project, unfounded claims circulated on social media suggesting Vandanapu’s involvement in screen tests for the role. While some fans welcomed the idea of her portraying Rapunzel, others unleashed a torrent of racist remarks on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, NBC News and others reported.

“Rapunzel should be played by a blonde, white girl,” one TikTok post asserted, while another declared, “Rapunzel is a GERMAN folk story. Indians are not and never will be German.”

Vandanapu’s Instagram became a battleground of hate comments, with some labeling her “disgusting” and warning against her potential to “ruin Tangled.” One particularly harsh comment read, “You’re going to be the worst Rapunzel in history.”

The backlash echoed similar incidents where actresses of color faced vitriol for Disney casting choices, such as Halle Bailey as Ariel in “The Little Mermaid” and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan expressing interest in the role of Rapunzel.

Yet, amidst the negativity, South Asian fans rallied to Vandanapu’s defense, challenging the racist comments and affirming her suitability for the role. They emphasized that the speculated “Tangled” live-action project remained unconfirmed and expressed support for Vandanapu.

“All this racism and delusions for a movie that doesn’t exist,” remarked one fan, while others affectionately dubbed her “My Rapunzel” in comments under her social media posts. Another supporter exclaimed, “How can u see Avantika and not think Disney princess?”.