‘Wicked’ Star Marissa Bode Condemns ‘Aggressive’ and ‘Very Gross’ Comments About Nessarose’s Disability: It Is ‘Low-Hanging Fruit That Too Many of You Are Comfortable Taking’

As a lifelong movie enthusiast who has navigated the world of cinema from both the audience and performer perspectives, I find Marissa Bode‘s stand against ableist jokes and comments towards her character Nessarose in “Wicked” truly commendable. As someone who uses a wheelchair in real life, she brings an authenticity to the role that transcends the screen, making it all the more disheartening to see such insensitive remarks directed at her character.

Actress Marissa Bode, best known for her role in “Wicked,” has publicly criticized the offensive remarks and humorous jabs aimed at her character Nessarose’s disability, labeling them as “aggressive,” “extremely distasteful,” and “damaging.

On a recent Friday, Bode, who is seen both on-screen and off using a wheelchair, published a five-minute video on TikTok expressing her views regarding the thoughtless remarks appearing online about Nessarose, the sibling of Elphaba (portrayed by Cynthia Erivo).

Bode stated that it’s perfectly acceptable to dislike a fictional character, such as Nessa from ‘Wicked.’ He acknowledged his personal bias towards her, understanding that many fans might hold different views. He found Nessa complex, and appreciated this complexity as part of the beauty of art. He emphasized that the film wouldn’t be as impactful if everyone agreed on the characters or who was truly good or bad. He reassured that not liking Nessa herself is perfectly fine since she is a work of fiction.

Bode openly admitted her playful and whimsical nature, often finding humor in light-hearted, innocuous jests concerning the character of Nessarose. She emphasized that this is due to the fictional nature of the “Wicked” character. Nevertheless, she firmly disapproves of harsh or aggressive remarks and jokes about Nessarose’s disability, stating they are unsettlingly uncomfortable.

Bode emphasized, ‘Disability isn’t a figment of imagination.’ At the core, I, Bode, along with Marissa, remain individuals living with disabilities and using wheelchairs. It seems easy for many of you to grasp this concept, yet it’s a sensitive issue that should not be taken lightly.

Bode shared that she’s encountered numerous jokes considered offensive towards people with disabilities, not only about the character Nessarose, but also about herself. “Prior to being cast in ‘Wicked,’ I had already faced comments – directed at me, as Marissa, not Nessa – regarding phrases like ‘stand up for yourself’ and ‘I suppose you can’t stand him’,” she explained. “These remarks aren’t unique, and when such jokes are told by people without disabilities using the theme of not being able to walk, it feels more like laughing at rather than laughing with.

She expressed, “This transcends simply disregarding online remarks, Marissa. These comments aren’t isolated incidents; they’re part of a larger issue. I’ve encountered offensive comments like wanting to force Nessa out of her wheelchair or suggesting she deserves her disability, which are not only distasteful but also genuinely harmful to disabled individuals, including myself.

Bode encouraged “Wicked” audience members to refrain from disregarding one another and asserting that someone else’s experience isn’t valid simply because they themselves didn’t find the joke relatable or impactful, given their own demographic.

She went on to explain, “Pay attention to what people or those directly involved are saying, and consider their feelings. Fortunately, I’ve reached a point in my life where I can understand jokes about disability stem from ignorance. However, I wouldn’t have been able to say the same about Marissa 10 years ago, and it would have greatly impacted me back then. I’m concerned that there might be a younger version of myself out there who is being hurt by these comments on the internet.

In wrapping up, Bode emphasized that a key theme in “Wicked” lies in listening and understanding each other. He earnestly hopes this is an aspect many of you will work on improving and carry forward with you.

For the first time in “Wicked’s” history, Bode will portray the character Nessarose in a wheelchair. In an interview with EbMaster, the actor shared insights on how they plan to enrich the character by leveraging the two-part structure of the film adaptation (“Wicked: Part Two” hits theaters on November 21, 2025).

She pointed out that while the stage musical is lovely, it doesn’t show the subtle moments of sisterly bond or their mutual love as clearly as the movie does. These nuances are more evident in the film, which she believes adds depth to the tragic events in the second film. She feels this portrayal makes Nessa a more relatable character, showing her deep concern for others. Overall, she thinks it was an excellent choice.

2024-12-01 02:46

‘Wicked’ Star Marissa Bode Condemns ‘Aggressive’ and ‘Very Gross’ Comments About Nessarose’s Disability: It Is ‘Low-Hanging Fruit That Too Many of You Are Comfortable Taking’

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