Lucy Lawless, the actress best known for playing Xena in Xena: Warrior Princess, and her former Hercules co-star Kevin Sorbo have engaged in a heated exchange that has gone viral on social media in response to Sorbo’s racially offensive remarks regarding U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. The issue, which started on the social media site X (previously Twitter), has brought attention to the significant differences in opinions between the two former co-stars as well as the influence of words in the current political environment.
The Remark That Started the Uproar
Renowned for his thought-provoking political analysis, Kevin Sorbo was recently the target of criticism for making a racist remark about Vice President Kamala Harris on social media. With a tone that many found offensive, Sorbo’s article questioned Harris’s race: “Let her say the N-word and let the people decide if Kamala is Black.” This statement, which Sorbo brazenly put at the top of his page, appeared to reaffirm previous fabrications made by former President Donald Trump, according to which Harris—whose parents are Indian and Jamaican—only “happened to turn Black” to further her political aspirations. At a meeting held in Chicago last month by the National Association of Black Journalists, Trump asserted this.
Quick criticism of Sorbo’s inflammatory post was seen all over the internet. His comments were immediately criticized by users on X as being improper and racially insulting. But Lucy Lawless’s remark, which attracted the most attention, was the most direct in her criticism of her former coworker.
Lawless’s Reaction: An Individual Memoir
Lawless responded with a personal touch, relating an event that happened while they were coworkers on the Hercules set in February 1995. She described the incident in which Sorbo said something unsettling in reaction to news of Nicole Brown and her companion, tennis coach Ron Goldman, being killed; former NFL player O.J. Simpson was infamously found not guilty of the killings.
Lawless clarified that she brought up the killings in an actor’s conversation, implying that Simpson might have been involved. Lawless claims that Sorbo responded angrily, exclaiming, “Hey! Nicole was not an idiot, believe me—I knew her. Lawless said this astounded everyone in attendance. Sorbo allegedly backed down after she retorted that Brown “didn’t deserve to be stabbed to death,” saying, “I’m just saying, she wasn’t a good person.”
Sorbo’s attitude at the moment is vividly depicted in Lawless’s memory, standing in stark contrast to her own and their coworkers’ opinions. Lawless was deeply affected by the exchange, characterizing the statements as “strange” and indicative of a more sinister mindset. In her message, she included a pointed caution: “#DontMakeMeGetMyLawyer!”
A Record of Arguments
Lawless has publicly chastised Sorbo for his divisive remarks on numerous occasions before. After collaborating closely on the beloved TV series in the 1990s, the two actors have found themselves more and more on opposing sides of the political and social divide.
One of their most prominent confrontations occurred following the U.S. Capitol storming on January 6. In a tweet, Sorbo implied that “left-wing agitators” rather than Trump fans made up the violent crowd. “In my opinion, they don’t look like patriots,” he said in the post’s caption.
Lawless immediately retaliated, denouncing Sorbo’s description of the demonstrators. She responded sharply, writing, “No, Peanut. They are not nationalists. They are actors from QAnon, flying monkeys, and domestic terrorists. They are the outcasts of society, deferring to the wicked commands of individuals such as yourself, who like playing with them like toys and allowing them to do the worst. #Enabler #KeepYourFilthyHandsClean
Even though it seemed lighthearted, Lawless’s adoption of the moniker “Peanut” for Sorbo gave her scathing criticism a hint of irony. The phrase, which is usually used to show affection, highlights how contemptuous she feels of Sorbo’s behavior and words in this instance.
The Power of Words from Public Figures
Lawless and Sorbo’s public spat underscores the larger problem of prominent personalities using their platforms to influence and participate in political discourse. Sorbo’s remarks, which have drawn criticism for being racially insensitive, are a prime example of how public figures may spread harmful assumptions and divisive language. On the other hand, Lawless’s readiness to criticize her former co-star’s actions highlights the significance of holding people responsible, regardless of their previous friendships or professional connections.
The responsibility that comes with having a public platform in an age where social media magnifies every word and deed cannot be overstated. Not only are celebrities like Sorbo and Lawless entertainers, but they also have a significant impact on public opinion and advance larger cultural discourse. Because of this, their remarks have weight and have effects that go much beyond their own lives.
Xena and Hercules’ Legacy
Many fans still cherish the legacy of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess since the shows had a profound impact on popular culture. Nonetheless, some fans have reassessed that legacy in light of the sharp contrast between Lawless and Sorbo’s real-life characters. The actors themselves have come to represent opposing forces in the current cultural and political struggles, even though the characters they represented were heroes who stood for justice and moral integrity.
Lucy Lawless’s actions, in her opinion, indicate a dedication to the ideals she formerly represented on screen—a readiness to defend her moral convictions even if doing so requires facing the people she was once employed with. Her vocal critique of Kevin Sorbo serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice and equality is an ongoing endeavor that permeates all parts of life and is not limited to the roles we play.
Final Thought: The Influence of Speaking Up
As the most recent chapter of Lawless and Sorbo’s public exchange develops, it offers a potent illustration of how important it is to speak up against injustice, even when it originates from someone who was formerly regarded as an ally or friend. Lucy Lawless’s fortitude to speak out against Kevin Sorbo’s comments demonstrates the importance of utilizing one’s voice for good and inspires others to follow suit in the face of prejudice and hatred.
Ultimately, the stories Xena and Hercules portray in the film might not be the only things that define their legacy; the performances by the actors who gave those stories life may also play a significant role. Lawless’s legacy as a real-life justice warrior is becoming more and more evident as she continues to stand up for the causes she supports.
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