Star Wars actor John Boyega has become one of the most outspoken figures in the entertainment industry in recent years, especially when it comes to issues of race and equality.
And for Boyega, this outspokenness is often deeply personal. Case in point: a recent interview with British GQ in which Boyega spoke very openly with the magazine about the ways he felt tokenized and brushed aside by certain figures involved with the production and marketing of the Star Wars films.
And White comedian Michael Rapaport—who seems to have a penchant for injecting his opinions into Black people's affairs on Twitter—for some reason had plenty to say to Boyega.
Specifically, that he should quit complaining.
@MichaelRapaport
And suffice to say, Rapaport's two cents were not appreciated.
In his GQ interview, Boyega spoke of his experiences during Star Wars of basically being used by Disney to attract Black audiences.
"...what I would say to Disney is do not bring out a black character, market them to be much more important in the franchise than they are and then have them pushed to the side. It's not good. I'll say it straight up."
Boyega also spoke candidly about how he and Asian actress Kelly Marie Tran were treated differently—both in the films and by Disney—than their White costars.
"Like, you guys knew what to do with Daisy Ridley, you knew what to do with Adam Driver... but when it came to Kelly Marie Tran, when it came to John Boyega, you know f**k all.
And Boyega specifically called out the expectation that he simply be grateful he was allowed to be a part of such a huge franchise.
"So what do you want me to say? What they want you to say is, 'I enjoyed being a part of it. It was a great experience...' Nah, nah, nah. I'll take that deal when it's a great experience."
Given that, one might wonder why on Earth Rapaport would go on Twitter and tell Boyega to be grateful, but as we've seen, he did.
And Boyega was quite simply not having any of it. He politely pushed back, asking Rapaport if he'd even read the article.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Rapaport simply doubled down.
@JohnBoyega Ya I read the article. That’s why I tweeted u. It’s show business. Things don’t always work out the way… https://t.co/REjqVGZMcJ— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport)1599065252.0
And this time when Rapaport told him to be grateful, Boyega's response was far more succinct.
@MichaelRapaport :) no. Thanks though.— John Boyega (@John Boyega)1599065386.0
And others on Twitter quickly lined up to tell Rapaport to mind his business.
@MichaelRapaport @JohnBoyega Wait...did you really just all lives matter this man’s interview??? 😳🤦🏾♀️ Sir...please do better.— Rae Foster (@Rae Foster)1599074021.0
@MichaelRapaport @JohnBoyega Michael channeling his inner Laura Ingraham. 🤦♂️ https://t.co/0eAwG5fwKS— Eno Har🇳🇬🇬🇧 (@Eno Har🇳🇬🇬🇧)1599092116.0
@MichaelRapaport @JohnBoyega How are you gonna tell someone how to react to discrimation they faced and to be grate… https://t.co/tbKj2I6dbr— Jade Alexandria (@Jade Alexandria)1599080220.0
@TalieDelemere @MichaelRapaport @JohnBoyega he ALWAYS trolls black people. Ignore him. He's a menace.— Stephanie (@Stephanie)1599084582.0
@MichaelRapaport @JohnBoyega To be fair you two should have very different experiences because boyega can actually act— Anna Kaye-Rogers (@Anna Kaye-Rogers)1599084173.0
@MichaelRapaport @JohnBoyega Who are you to tell him what he should be grateful for tho?— Str♤p M♤ster Flex (@Str♤p M♤ster Flex)1599068124.0
@JohnBoyega @MichaelRapaport He's just jealous that you trumped his career by miles within a couple years vs his li… https://t.co/dA3JJvCSv5— Francy Kate McKay (@Francy Kate McKay)1599084058.0
@JohnBoyega @MichaelRapaport Remember when @AnjelikaW called out her producer for providing her a white stunt doubl… https://t.co/gwR8cu00mO— queenovsheba (@queenovsheba)1599094323.0
And many people were just tired of Rapaport, period.
Meek Mill. Lebron James. Spike Lee. John Boyega. Does Michael Rapaport ever argue with someone who isn't black? https://t.co/D2FJcxB8Py— Jay Kelley (@Jay Kelley)1599091955.0
But, yes. Boyega, a young, talented actor coming off a role in the most popular franchise maybe ever should take ca… https://t.co/mG40ZbUZob— [kie.ran] (@[kie.ran])1599092001.0
Just peeped Michael Rapaport telling thee John Boyega to be grateful for being typecast, so that’s my cue to log off for the night.— Stephanie Smith (@Stephanie Smith)1599108610.0
Rapaport be in Black People business too much for me. He’s way too comfortable. He was out of line for what he said… https://t.co/HGxgZ1SWI0— e. (@e.)1599094153.0
As the saying goes, shutting up is free.
Perhaps someone might let Rapaport know?