Paapa Essiedu says work is his priority amid 'Harry Potter' casting backlash

Essiedu says he took the Snape role with "open eyes" and credits the show's team with supporting him amid online backlash. He has previously said he received racially motivated death threats over his casting. The actor, who signed a letter urging action on trans rights, also addressed criticism of joining the J.K. Rowling adaptation, saying people are entitled to their opinions while he focuses on bringing humanity and complexity to Snape.