Princess Leia Slave Action Figure Draws Social Media Outrage, Carrie Fisher Steps Up To Defend It
Princess Leia Skywalker must be one of the most culturally influential figures of our times. Ever since the Star Wars trilogy was released four decades ago, Princess Leia has gone on not only to see innumerable cultural uses, but firmly embed herself in the popular imagination of the people.
However, there are times when those references can turn skewed, provoking fans to defend the supposed sanctity of the character. Recently, a Princess Leia slave action figure – made by the multinational toy company Hasbro – had to bear the brunt of parents’ outrage who believed the doll was inappropriate for more reasons than one.
The Princess Leia doll, which comes complete with a leash and a collar, infuriated some Philadelphia parents who considered it inappropriate for their children. Fred Hill, a particularly vocal father of two daughters, expressed his disappointment in an interview with Fox 29.
“That kind of crap is in the toy aisles for me to see? Nah, that’s pretty inappropriate. I got two daughters I don’t need seeing that crap. They’re like ‘dad why does this doll have a chain around its neck?’ I don’t have any answers. I was just blown away looking at it.”
Another mother of two, Tiffany Mahan, said the princess Leia doll was way too indecent for her children.
“It’s just a bit much for a child. So, no, I probably wouldn’t give this to my 4-year-old and maybe not an 8-year-old.”
The news story received such exposure that not only did parents express solidarity with each other, but Princess Leia fans conveyed their outrage over social media.
One woman, however, who was quick to come to the slave figure’s rescue was Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia in the first three installments of Star Wars. She tweeted her response in defense of the toy, adding that it represented a triumph for her character.
SlaveLeiaDollsR causingOUTRAGE 4Sum parents onFox TV& Im thinking-if folksR outraged NOW, shouldnt I have beenOUTRAGED40yrs ago?MAYBE I WAS!
— Carrie Fisher (@carrieffisher) July 15, 2015
That chain only"enslaved"me until I could use the frabjous thing to KILL THAT DROOLING SWOLLEN SUPERTONGUED SLUG&whirl him off into infinity
— Carrie Fisher (@carrieffisher) July 15, 2015
It must be noted here that Carrie Fisher’s character was forced to wear the revealing outfit when made captive by space crime lord Jabba the Hut in the original trilogy, but Princess Leia’s ingenuity saw her gain freedom by strangling Jabba using the same chains that were used to bind her. In this context then, Carrie Fisher’s assertion that the Hasbro doll is indeed a triumphant figure gains some credibility, but try telling that to the parents, Carrie!
In related news, fans will be thrilled to know that Carrie Fisher is reprising her role as Princess Leia in the latest film of the franchise, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, according to Slash Film.
In this exclusive behind the scenes video which was released at San Diego Comic-Con 2015, you can get a glimpse of Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia once again.
So are you excited to see Carrie Fisher reprising her role as Princess Leia Skywalker, and do you think her defense of Princess Leia’s slave figurine was the right decision?
[Photo: Flickr, Ethan Miller / Getty Images]
