Caleb McLaughlin, who plays Lucas Sinclair on the Netflix programme Stranger Things, has opened up about his upbringing in a bigoted household. The actor opened up about the early reactions to his performance at Heroes Comic Con Belgium on Sunday. McLaughlin recalls pondering the question of why he was the unpopular one.
McLaughlin spoke at the event and talked about the effects of growing up in a racist community “There’s no doubt that it left an impression on me as a kid. When I went to my first Comic-Con, I noticed that some people would not stand in line with me because I am Black. Some people have told me they don’t want to be in my line because of how you treated Eleven [Millie Bobby Brown].”
The Stranger Things actor went on to claim that racism is still an issue today and that some people don’t like or follow him because of his race. He went on to explain that he was “totally affected” by this when he was younger. He reflected more, recalling the beginning of his self-doubt in the pilot episode of season 1 “What am I doing wrong that I am so unpopular? My whole Season 1 cast is still working on the same show “This is Variety.
McLaughlin continued by saying he doesn’t give back hatred but rather spreads hope and love. It’s not just Caleb who has faced hostility from onlookers. Steve Toussaint, who plays Lord Corlys on House of the Dragon, and Halle Bailey, who plays Ariel in the upcoming Little Mermaid version, are just two examples of performers of colour who have been harmed by recent incidences of internet racism.
