Marissa Bode Criticizes ‘Wicked’ Fans Joking About Nessarose’s Disability

In the wake of Wicked‘s premiere, Marissa Bode, who portrays Nessarose, has found herself at the center of a troubling trend on social media, where ableist language is being used against her character. Bode has publicly condemned these remarks, particularly ones that mock Nessarose’s disability.

Understanding Nessarose’s Character

Nessarose, depicted as the younger sister of Elphaba, is uniquely physical among the film’s characters—she navigates the world in a wheelchair due to a condition that prevents her from walking. Importantly, Bode brings authenticity to the role; she herself has utilized a wheelchair since the age of 11. This connection makes the overwhelming negative commentary particularly painful for her, prompting her to speak out against the disrespectful narratives surrounding Nessarose.

Bode’s Response to Criticism

On November 30, Marissa Bode took to TikTok to directly address the derogatory comments aimed at her character. She emphasized the importance of representation but stressed that true progress requires more than just casting disabled actors. It calls for an active effort to understand and dismantle the ableism often ingrained in societal perspectives.

@marissa_edob
“Representation is important, but that’s not the only thing that will save the disabled community. I need all of you (non-disabled people) to do the work. Unlearn your ableism, listen to disabled voices, and support the disability rights movement.”

#wicked #nessa

♬ original sound – Marissa

Addressing the Attack on Disability

Bode clarified that while criticism of Nessarose as a character is acceptable, mocking her disability is not. The actress noted, “Aggressive comments about Nessa’s disability are deeply uncomfortable because disability is not a fictional construct,” underscoring that such jokes perpetuate harmful stereotypes that real disabled individuals, including herself, face daily.

Examples of Ableist Remarks and Their Impact

Many negative comments stem from viewers who criticize Nessarose for not supporting Elphaba during her challenges. For instance, some have flippantly suggested that her wheelchair symbolizes her lack of loyalty. This perspective reveals a troubling disregard for the realities of disability.

No wonder Nessarose was in that wheelchair because she didn’t stand up once for her sister pic.twitter.com/gY1q4ukm2t

The Importance of Empathy and Change

Bode has called for greater compassion, stressing that jokes targeting disability are seldom funny and often perpetuate stigma. “It’s not an original punchline; it feels like laughing at rather than with,” she stated.

Marissa Bode’s decision to speak out about the pervasive ableism reflects a broader issue within media representation. Many disabled individuals often feel pressured to endure demeaning comments in silence, dismissing them as mere jokes. However, she urges her audience to engage with and listen to the disabled community, reminding them that humor should never come at the expense of others’ dignity.

Looking Ahead

In lighter news, anticipation is building for Wicked Part Two, set to debut on November 21, 2025. This next installment will continue to draw attention to important themes while hopefully fostering a more respectful and inclusive conversation around disability.

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