Actress Charithra Chandran is presently encountering considerable criticism following her role as Princess Nefertari Vivi in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece. The uproar originates from certain fans who feel that an actress of Arab heritage ought to have been cast for the part, considering the character’s lineage. This has resulted in a surge of unfavorable remarks directed at Chandran, who is of Indian heritage.
Nevertheless, Chandran is garnering robust backing from her co-stars and the wider One Piece community. Emily Rudd, portraying Nami, has publicly defended her against the backlash on her Instagram account, denouncing the racism and animosity aimed at her co-star. She underscored the necessity of diversity and voiced her pride in the series and its ensemble.
Rob Colletti, who plays Wapol, has also stood up for Chandran, criticizing the hypocrisy of some fans who embrace the fantastical aspects of One Piece yet object to inclusive casting decisions. He pointed out that Charithra was specifically chosen by Eiichirō Oda, the creator of One Piece, who has indicated his approval of the casting selections after meeting the actors on set.
The vast majority of the One Piece fanbase seems to rally behind Chandran, with many expressing their dissent against the hate campaign on platforms like Reddit. A post denouncing the negativity has received considerable support, proving that the outspoken minority does not reflect the entire community.
As excitement heightens for the second season of One Piece, scheduled to debut in 2026, the cast and creators remain dedicated to providing a series that honors diversity and remains faithful to the essence of the cherished manga.