Disney Star Wars Producer’s Outrage at LA Riots

The streets of Los Angeles have erupted into chaos in June 2025, with violent anti-ICE riots gripping the city and drawing global attention. Amid the turmoil, a prominent figure in Disney’s Star Wars franchise, Jen Richards, a transgender actor and producer for Star Wars: The Acolyte, has sparked headlines by publicly condemning the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) after being struck by rubber bullets and flashbangs during the protests. Describing the police response as “rabid aggression,” Richards’ fiery reaction has ignited debates about law enforcement tactics, celebrity activism, and the volatile intersection of Hollywood and political unrest. As a key player in one of Disney’s most polarizing Star Wars projects, Richards’ involvement in the riots raises questions about the role of entertainment figures in shaping public discourse. What led to this explosive moment, and what does it mean for Disney and the broader cultural landscape? Let’s explore the incident, its context, and its far-reaching implications.

The Incident: Jen Richards in the Line of Fire

The controversy unfolded on June 8, 2025, during the third day of escalating protests in downtown Los Angeles, sparked by aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting undocumented immigrants. According to reports, Jen Richards, who served as a producer on Disney’s Star Wars: The Acolyte streaming series, was among thousands of demonstrators opposing the raids. In an Instagram post shared on Sunday, Richards described the protests as initially peaceful, stating, “Thousands of peaceful protestors showed up to demonstrate that we won’t stand by as our neighbors get rounded up to appease the racist fever dreams of a President and his fragile ego.” However, the situation deteriorated as law enforcement deployed tear gas, flashbangs, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, with Richards caught in the crossfire.

Richards recounted a harrowing experience, claiming, “I was hit by flashbangs and rubber bullets, all while walking backwards with my hands up.” The producer accused the LAPD of excessive force, labeling their tactics as “rabid aggression” and highlighting the physical and emotional toll of the encounter. Posts on X amplified the story, with users like @YellowFlashGuy framing Richards’ reaction as “raging” against the police, while others, such as @jdontom, mocked the response as exaggerated, calling Richards a “weenie” for complaining about non-lethal rounds. The polarized reactions underscore the divisive nature of the riots and Richards’ high-profile involvement, particularly given their role in a franchise as culturally significant as Star Wars.

The Los Angeles Riots: A City on Edge

The 2025 Los Angeles riots stem from a wave of ICE operations, reportedly intensified under President Donald Trump’s second term, which began in January 2025. The protests began on June 5, following the detention of day laborers at a Home Depot in LA’s Westlake District, and escalated over the weekend as thousands took to the streets. Demonstrators blocked the 101 Freeway, set fire to self-driving Waymo vehicles, and clashed with police, who responded with batons, tear gas, and less-lethal munitions like rubber bullets. Videos circulating online show chaotic scenes: protesters hurling rocks at police cars, a van plowing into crowds, and officers firing foam rounds into packed intersections.

The LAPD’s use of less-lethal weapons, authorized after declaring an “unlawful assembly,” has drawn scrutiny. Rubber bullets, also known as kinetic impact projectiles, are foam or plastic rounds designed to incapacitate without killing, but they can cause serious injuries, including bruises, fractures, and, in rare cases, permanent damage. A 2020 study by the American Journal of Operations Research noted that rubber bullets can lead to temporary blindness or hearing loss when paired with flashbangs, which emit blinding light and deafening noise. In LA, injuries have been reported among protesters and journalists, including Australian reporter Lauren Tomasi, who was shot in the leg while covering the riots, and British photographer Nick Stern, who required emergency surgery after a plastic bullet struck his thigh.

The riots’ political backdrop is equally charged. Trump’s deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops, bypassing California Governor Gavin Newsom’s authority, has fueled accusations of federal overreach. Newsom, calling the move “purposefully inflammatory,” filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, while Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna reported over 100 deputies assisting the LAPD. The protests, marked by Mexican flags and anti-ICE placards, reflect deep-seated anger over immigration policies, with some demonstrators framing the raids as xenophobic. However, acts of vandalism—such as torching cars and looting businesses—have complicated the narrative, drawing condemnation from local officials and residents.

Jen Richards: A Producer with a Platform

Jen Richards, 49, is a multifaceted figure in Hollywood, known for acting roles in Blindspot and Better Things, as well as producing and consulting on projects like Star Wars: The Acolyte. A transgender woman, Richards has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice, often using her platform to address systemic inequalities. Her work on The Acolyte, a Disney+ series set in the Star Wars High Republic era, placed her at the center of a contentious chapter in the franchise’s history. The show, which premiered in 2024, faced mixed reviews and fan backlash over its diverse cast and perceived “woke” themes, with some critics on X calling it a “disaster” that alienated core audiences.

Richards’ activism aligns with her public persona. In 2020, she spoke out against transphobia in media, and her participation in the LA protests reflects a consistent commitment to marginalized communities, including immigrants. Her Instagram post, reported by Pink News, framed the riots as a stand against “racist” policies, positioning her as a defender of the oppressed. However, her description of the protests as “peaceful” has drawn skepticism, given reports of widespread property damage and violence. Critics argue that Richards’ high-profile status as a Star Wars producer amplifies her influence, making her comments a lightning rod for both support and derision.

The Backlash: A Polarized Response

The reaction to Richards’ statements has been sharply divided, reflecting broader tensions in American culture. On X, conservative-leaning users lambasted her, with @DonAlton6 sharing a Breitbart article to highlight her “whining” about rubber bullets, and @BeachCity55 calling her “scary” and questioning her credibility. The term “FAFO” (an acronym for “Fuck Around and Find Out”), used by @YellowFlashGuy and @SteveSkillen, suggests that Richards deserved the consequences of joining a volatile protest. These sentiments echo criticisms of celebrity activism, with detractors arguing that Richards, as a Hollywood elite, is disconnected from the realities faced by LA residents affected by the riots’ destruction.

Conversely, progressive fans and activists have rallied behind Richards, praising her courage for protesting in person rather than posting from a distance. Supporters on X argue that her injuries validate claims of police brutality, pointing to footage of officers firing rubber bullets at journalists and peaceful demonstrators. They also contextualize her actions within the Star Wars ethos, which often champions rebellion against oppressive systems, as seen in the Resistance’s fight against the First Order. One X user wrote, “Jen’s living the Rebel Alliance vibes—standing up to the real Empire,” though such posts are less prevalent than critical ones.

The backlash also ties to The Acolyte’s troubled reception. The series, already a target for fans upset over its departure from traditional Star Wars lore, has become a symbol of Disney’s alleged “woke” agenda. Richards’ involvement in the riots has fueled this narrative, with some fans on X linking her activism to the show’s perceived failures. Comments like “No wonder Acolyte tanked” suggest that her political stance is seen as emblematic of broader issues with Disney’s creative direction, intensifying calls for a return to “classic” Star Wars.

The Cultural Context: Hollywood, Protests, and Power

Richards’ outburst reflects a broader trend of Hollywood figures engaging in political activism, often at the risk of alienating fans. The LA riots, like the 2020 George Floyd protests, have drawn celebrities into the fray, with varying outcomes. For example, Mark Ruffalo, another MCU star, faced criticism in June 2025 for allegedly praising the same riots, highlighting the perils of stars wading into volatile issues. Unlike Ruffalo, whose Hulk role is tangential to current MCU projects, Richards’ association with Star Wars places her in a more precarious position, given the franchise’s massive, vocal fanbase.

The riots themselves underscore America’s deepening divide over immigration. ICE, created post-9/11, has long been a lightning rod, with critics decrying its detention practices and supporters defending its role in border security. The 2025 protests, fueled by Trump’s aggressive policies, have amplified these tensions, with Los Angeles—a city with a 34% Hispanic population—serving as a flashpoint. The use of rubber bullets, while less lethal than live ammunition, has reignited debates about police tactics, especially after high-profile injuries to journalists like Lauren Tomasi, who was shot live on air, and Ryanne Mena, hit above the ear by a rubber bullet.

Disney, as Richards’ employer, faces a delicate balancing act. Star Wars has historically leaned progressive, with themes of diversity and resistance, but its fanbase includes conservative voices who resent perceived politicization. The Acolyte’s poor performance—canceled after one season due to low viewership—has already strained Disney’s relationship with fans. Richards’ comments risk further alienating this audience, especially as Disney prepares for films like Mufasa: The Lion King (December 2024) and Captain America: Brave New World (February 2025). While Disney is unlikely to publicly reprimand Richards, given her non-acting role, the controversy could influence casting and creative decisions for future Star Wars projects.

The Legal and Social Stakes

The LAPD’s use of rubber bullets has sparked legal concerns, with past cases suggesting potential lawsuits. In 2020, LA paid $1.5 million to Benjamin Montemayor, shot in the testicles with a foam projectile, and $375,000 to Deon Jones, hit in the face during protests. If Richards pursues legal action, as speculated on X, the city could face significant payouts, especially given her high-profile status. Amnesty International’s Patrick Wilcken has called for global controls on less-lethal weapons, citing their potential for abuse, a sentiment echoed by protesters who view the LAPD’s tactics as disproportionate.

Socially, Richards’ experience highlights the risks of protest participation, even for public figures. Her claim of being targeted “with hands up” mirrors broader allegations of police overreach, supported by footage of officers firing at credentialed journalists. However, the riots’ violent elements—such as Molotov cocktails and freeway blockades—complicate the narrative, with authorities arguing that less-lethal force was necessary to protect public safety. This tension, between protest rights and law enforcement’s mandate, lies at the heart of the controversy, with Richards’ voice amplifying the debate.

What’s Next for Richards and Disney?

As of June 2025, Richards has not announced further public statements, but her Instagram post suggests a resolve to continue advocating. Her role in Star Wars appears limited, as The Acolyte was not renewed, though she could contribute to other Disney projects in development, such as Andor Season 2 or The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026). Her injuries, while not life-threatening, may fuel activism against police tactics, potentially aligning her with groups like Black Lives Matter or immigrant rights organizations.

For Disney, the incident is a public relations challenge. Star Wars remains a cornerstone of the company’s portfolio, but its recent projects have struggled to recapture the magic of the original trilogy. Richards’ controversy, while not directly tied to on-screen content, reinforces perceptions of a franchise out of touch with its base. Disney’s silence on the matter, typical for non-lead actors, suggests a strategy of letting the story fade, but fan-driven platforms like X will likely keep it alive, especially if Richards pursues legal or public action.

Conclusion: A Galaxy of Conflict

Jen Richards’ clash with the LAPD during the Los Angeles riots has thrust her from the Star Wars production booth into the center of a cultural maelstrom. Her condemnation of police “rabid aggression” after being hit by rubber bullets reflects both personal trauma and a broader critique of systemic issues, from immigration policy to law enforcement tactics. Yet, her involvement in a riot marked by violence and destruction has drawn fierce criticism, with fans and commentators questioning her judgment and Disney’s association with her.

This episode encapsulates the challenges facing Hollywood in 2025: navigating a polarized world where every action, from a producer’s protest to a studio’s silence, is scrutinized. For Star Wars, already grappling with fan discontent, Richards’ outburst is a reminder that the Force—both narrative and cultural—can be a double-edged saber. As Los Angeles braces for more unrest, and Disney charts its next galactic chapter, the question remains: can the franchise unite its divided fans, or will controversies like this deepen the rift? The answers lie in the streets, the screens, and the voices shaping both.