Riverdale
[Photo by Gage Skidmore via Wikipedia Commons]

'Riverdale' creator apologizes and vows to better represent people of color

Following Vanessa Morgan‘s words about the issues regarding the treatment of black actors and characters on Riverdale this week, the show’s creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa is releasing a statement apologizing to Morgan and saying they are planning ways to do better for the black community.

In the post, Aguirre-Sacasa also says all of the Riverdale writers have made a donation to Black Lives Matter LA and will be a part of the movement instead of outside of it. 

Read More: Universal Music Group pledges $25 million for a social justice task force

The statement begins by saying they are listening to Vanessa Morgan and she is right about her views on the show. It outlines that they plan to work on correcting the problem within the writers room and will do better to honor black actors and characters in their show.

“We hear Vanessa. We love Vanessa. She’s right. We’re sorry and we make the same promise to you that we did to her. We will do better to honor her and the character she plays. As well as all of our actors and characters of color. CHANGE is happening and will continue to happen. Riverdale will get bigger, not smaller. Riverdale will be part of the movement, not outside it. All of the Riverdale writers made a donation to @BLMLA, but we know where the work must happen for us. In the writers’ room.”

Numerous fans are cautious about if this will actually lead to change though.

This comes after Vanessa Morgan spoke out about being paid less than her white co-stars and being used as a “token biracial bisexual” in the show.

Other black actors from the franchise including Asha Bromfield and Ashleigh Murray also spoke out about the way they’ve been treated on the show and its spinoff series.

Read More: Brands are cutting ties with Dolls Kill over Black Lives Matter comments

To show support through donations, connect with grassroots campaigns and obtain resources for allies, please refer to the links below.

Help the family of George Floyd here.
Fight for Breonna Taylor here.
Help the family of Ahmaud Arbery here.
To sign petitions for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and more, click here.
Donate to one or more community bail funds for protesters here.
Click here for more resources for protestors including pro-bono lawyers.
Visit Movement For Black Lives for additional ways you can help the cause.
Click here to connect with leaders building grassroots campaigns.
Here are some anti-racism resources for allies who want to learn more.
For other ways to donate, please head here.