Paapa Essiedu Faces Death Threats Over Snape Role, Responds With Pure Class

Paapa Essiedu is stepping into one of the biggest roles in pop culture, Severus Snape in HBO’s Harry Potter TV adaptation, and he’s doing it while facing racist backlash and death threats. Since his casting was announced, the British actor has been targeted online, with one message telling him,“Quit or I’ll murder you.”At the TIME100 Next gala, he told Variety the production team has been fully supportive and that his priority is simply the work.

He’s also got some heavy hitters in his corner. Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the films, called Essiedu one of the best actors he’s ever seen. Essiedu, known for“I May Destroy You”and“Black Mirror,”said representation is what motivates him and that he’s proud of what the cast and crew have built together.

The Harry Potter series premieres this Christmas on HBO Max, and the conversation around it isn’t cooling down. Where do you draw the line between fan opinions and online abuse? Tell us in the comments.