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Criticism Mounts Against Warner Bros. After Actor Confirms Rumors Of Racism

April 06, 2021

#IstandwithRayFisher began trending after the actor Ray Fisher, who plays Cyborg in the live-action Justice League film, confirmed rumors regarding much of the film’s staff, including director Josh Whedon, who also directed the 2012 Avengers film. Most of the rumors range from accusing Whedon of workplace toxicity to Fisher experiencing outright racism. The actor continues to Tweet about his experiences, talking about others on the set, besides Whedon, who embraced this toxic behavior and continuing to recommend the Snyder cut of Justice League to his followers.

Apparently some folks at @WarnerMedia think that a room full of executives saying “we can’t an angry Black man at the center of the movie” (and then reducing/removing all Black and POC from that movie) isn’t racist.

Odd.

1/5

— Ray Fisher (@ray8fisher) March 23, 2021

24 hours of #JusticeIsGray

Let’s get it!#SnyderCut

— Ray Fisher (@ray8fisher) March 25, 2021

As other media outlets began to further investigate these rumors, the hashtag appeared. Fans, activists, and both tweeted to show their support to Fisher and to criticize not only Whedon but Warner Bros. itself for letting any of the abuse happen. The hashtag is reminiscent of other movements including the #JusticeforJohnny movement regarding Johnny Depp’s abusive relationship with Amber Heard. The difference is that while #JusticeforJohnny focused on the double standards between how woman on man violence is perceived, #IstandwithRayFisher focuses more on the racist experiences Fisher endured throughout filming and the unhelpful nature of Warner Bros. throughout the actor’s struggle, particularly given the company’s “progressive” stance in recent years.

I really, REALLY don't like WB Pictures. #IStandWithRayFisher pic.twitter.com/HVbSdhfIoZ

— Razanul: A Flop Artist (@RazanulHoque) April 6, 2021

WB are scared because Zack continuing his vision shows how incompetent their decision making is and how awful they are at being executives. Zack had a coherent plan, so far all WBs has is a load of cheap, fast turn around ideas labelled as 'multiverse' #istandwithrayfisher

— TheSnyderVerseΩ (@RestoreSnyder) April 6, 2021

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, #IStandWithRayFisher. This article missing a lot of important information, but I'll say this–I know for a fact Ray experienced racism. I know because we talked at length about what happened, and I get it. https://t.co/V5Sxi69cLz

— David F Walker (@DavidWalker1201) April 6, 2021

Many used the hashtag also to suggest another comparison between the experiences of Ray Fisher and John Boyega, showing these issues are a systematic problem within the movie industry in general. These tweets focused on reflecting the plight of Black men within the movie industry in the modern-day, where typecasting and stereotyping remain very current issues.

Massive respect to Ray Fisher (and John Boyega and many others) who’ve had the courage to put their jobs and reputations on the line to expose toxic behavior from studios and film execs. What an absolute shit show WB & DC ended up making Justice League #IStandWithRayFisher https://t.co/ySxCx4Zv7q

— Sean Finnegan (@Finne35mm) April 6, 2021

We need people like Ray Fisher & John Boyega to use influence they have to change the industry.

We also need their white coworkers to stop being cowards because you better believe that Ray & John know that they are fighting for more than themselves.#IStandWithRayFisher

— Danielle (@thebravestheart) September 5, 2020

Gal Godot’s treatment by Whedon was another topic people discussed under the hashtag, due to the coverage of media outlets like ScreenRant. Fisher’s confirmation of the issues he faced at Warner Bros. also confirmed the rumors of what Godot faced as well. One rumor continually referenced was Whedon threatening to dumb down Wonder Woman’s character if Godot went against him.

I’ll just leave this here. This is what we’ve been talking about for months. #josswhedonsucks #RestoreTheSnyderVerse https://t.co/y5QTCoNrsq

— Poindexter Lounge (@poindxterlounge) April 6, 2021

Those put in charge by WB threatened @GalGadot and her career. Didn't want an "Angry black man" @ray8fisher as the heart of a tentpole movie, and removed all POC from the original JL to better suit their vision for how a JL movie should go. Miss anything?#IStandWithRayFisher

— Uche Nwaneri The Observant Lineman #Snydercut (@Chukwu77) April 6, 2021

Not Joss Whedon threatening to harm Gal Gadot's career and trash talking Patty Jenkins and her version of Wonder Woman during the Justice League filming.

This is completely disgusting. #IStandWithRayFisher pic.twitter.com/0w5XK6EEyB

— rhaenyra targaryen's lawyer (@Targ_Nation) April 6, 2021

With all these issues regarding how POC and women are treated by Warner Bros., it calls into question the legitimacy of the progressive statements made before. To many, the progressivity seems to be a mask with the edges finally peeling off as the pressure against them due to these controversies continues to mount.