Marissa Bode, the 24-year-old actor who made history as the first wheelchair user to play Nessarose in Wicked, has taken a firm stand against ableist remarks directed at her and her character. In a heartfelt TikTok video, Bode addressed the harm caused by such comments, urging audiences to rethink their approach to disability and representation.
Confronting Ableism Online
In her five-minute TikTok post, Bode tackled the surge of “aggressive” and “deeply uncomfortable” comments she’s received since her casting in the highly anticipated Wicked movie. These remarks, she explained, often target her disability, with many people making jokes about her inability to walk.
“It’s deeply uncomfortable because disability is not fictional,” Bode emphasized. “At the end of the day, me — Marissa — is the person that is still disabled and in a wheelchair.”
She expressed frustration with low-hanging humor rooted in ableism and noted that while she appreciates lightheartedness, comments such as “stand up for yourself” or “she deserves her disability” cross a line.
“These jokes about disability are made out of ignorance,” she said. “They very much feel like laughing at rather than laughing with.”
The Real-World Impact of Online Words
Bode’s video goes beyond her personal experience to highlight a broader issue: the way ableist jokes perpetuate harm in society. She pointed out that such comments don’t exist in isolation and reflect damaging attitudes that real disabled people encounter regularly.
“These comments do not exist in a vacuum,” she said. “Aggressive comments of wanting to cause harm or suggesting Nessa deserves her disability are gross and harmful. Real disabled people, including myself, have heard these things before.”
While Bode admitted she was nervous about speaking out, she felt compelled to do so for younger disabled individuals who might struggle with similar experiences online.
Representation in Wicked
Bode’s casting as Nessarose is a milestone in the journey toward better representation of disabled actors. In a featurette for Wicked, she shared how rare it was to see someone like herself in media after becoming physically disabled.
“Representation for me after becoming physically disabled was slim to none,” Bode explained. “The fact that they are casting a disabled actor in Wicked, I think, is so important.”
For Bode, this role is not just a career achievement but a chance to inspire change. “I think Nessa is complex, but that’s the beauty of art,” she said, acknowledging differing opinions on her character while insisting that jokes about disability remain harmful.
The Importance of Listening and Learning
Bode ended her message by encouraging people to examine their own biases and learn about the disabled community. She recommended watching the documentary Crip Camp and following more disabled creators to broaden perspectives.
“I understand no one likes feeling like they’re being scolded,” she wrote in the caption, “but true progress never comes with comfort. And that’s OK.”
A Wicked Journey
Wicked: Part One is in theaters now, with audiences eagerly awaiting the second installment on November 21, 2025. Alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, Marissa Bode’s Nessarose serves as a groundbreaking addition to a beloved story, marking a significant step forward for inclusivity in Hollywood.
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