‘Harry Potter’ showrunner calls racist abuse of Paapa Essiedu ‘appalling’

HBO’s Harry Potter showrunner Francesca Gardiner calls the racist abuse directed at Paapa Essiedu “appalling,” according to Variety, citing Vanity Fair. She says he has “absolutely nailed the role” of Snape. Essiedu says people are entitled to criticize his acting, but distinguishes that from what he describes as “a racially driven animosity.”