Riverdale’s Vanessa Morgan Kopech Speaks Out: ‘Being Used as a Side Kick’ to ‘White Leads’
Riverdale’s Sweetwater River takes a necessary sour turn.
The CW’s Riverdale star Vanessa Morgan Kopech, who plays the role of Toni Topaz, released a statement on May 31, 2020, in which she took a tremendously valiant stand on how the Black representation in the media. The 28-year-old actress spoke out via Twitter.
I’m not being Quite anymore. ✊🏽 #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/JXgJic4mrR
— Vanessa Morgan (@VanessaMorgan) May 31, 2020
The former Southside High student has been a series regular since the series’ third season. She stated that her assessment of Riverdale isn’t intended as a bash against her co-stars. Support was reflected towards her in a tweet sent by co-star Lili Reinhart, who plays the role of Riverdale’s Betty Cooper.
We love you, V. And support you 10000%.
— Lili Reinhart (@lilireinhart) June 2, 2020
Morgan goes on to emphasize the response of a fan who replied to her initial statement.
Lmao too bad I’m the only black series regular but also paid the least 😂👏🏽 girl i could go on for days 🐸
— Vanessa Morgan (@VanessaMorgan) June 2, 2020
Morgan also made sure to point out further integral details.
But exactly, used as the token biracial bisexual
— Vanessa Morgan (@VanessaMorgan) June 2, 2020
Actress-singer Riverdale co-star Asha Bromfield, who plays the role of Melody Jones of Josie and the Pussycats, also spoke out in response to Morgan’s statement.
Don’t even get me started with how Riverdale treated the Pussycats. We had so much more to contribute than standing in the background and adding sass to a storyline. I stand with you @VanessaMorgan. https://t.co/IUMm9xaFYO
— ASHA (@ashabrom) June 2, 2020
Ashleigh Murray also starred in the teen hit drama as Josie McCoy, lead-singer of Josie and the Pussycats in the first three seasons. Morgan and Murray’s characters don’t get the same character development as their white co-stars, and do not share equal time in the grander storyline. Vanessa defended Murray in response to a tweet calling her the reason for the rest of the Pussycats getting written off the show.
You don’t know what the fuck your talking about and don’t talk about my friend like that. Another thing i hate BLACK women being called DIVAS for sticking up for themselves. Maybe the show should write for her like the white characters. You picked the wrong day get off my page. https://t.co/go74B7YBYc
— Vanessa Morgan (@VanessaMorgan) May 31, 2020
There are about fifteen Riverdale series regulars, and in the most recent season, Vanessa was the only Black actor.
She was originally a recurring cast member in the second season.
I’ve felt this from the beginning. We are so much more♥️ https://t.co/HIQSKNfglz
— Hayleau (@hayleau) June 3, 2020
Former Riverdale star Hayley Law, who played one of the Josie and The Pussycats members, Valerie Brown, also gave her two powerful cents.
We are not a trend. We are not your “cool accessory”. We are not your excuse to be a racist and then claim you were “just kidding! Relax”. We are not your cash cow. We are not your click bait.
— Hayleau (@hayleau) June 3, 2020
Vanessa ended her message by tweeting a hopeful message on her Black representation in the media.
Exactly, finally feel like I can speak up for myself and my fellow brothers and sisters & be heard. Usually everyone is fake listening. I really hope a change is coming. https://t.co/SrVQ20g9zg
— Vanessa Morgan (@VanessaMorgan) June 2, 2020
Girl power never sounded so refreshing.
You can help fight off the Ghoulies by keeping up with and supporting Vanessa’s voice on Twitter here.
Writer | Tweet me @juliaroulhac
