Jen Richards’ Ordeal in LA Riots: The Acolyte Producer’s Story
Jen Richards, a transgender actor and producer known for her work on Disney’s Star Wars: The Acolyte, found herself at the center of chaos during the Los Angeles riots in early June 2025. Struck by rubber bullets and flashbangs while protesting, Richards publicly decried the “rabid aggression” of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), sparking a firestorm of debate about police tactics, protest rights, and her role in the controversial Star Wars series. The incident, misreported by some as a shooting with live ammunition, has amplified tensions surrounding The Acolyte’s polarizing legacy and Richards’ activism. This article explores the context of the riots, the details of Richards’ experience, and the broader implications for her career and Disney’s Star Wars franchise, drawing on web-based insights for a comprehensive analysis.
The Context: LA Riots and The Acolyte’s Backlash
Los Angeles in June 2025 was a city on edge, gripped by protests over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that escalated into riots. Unlike the 1992 Rodney King riots, which followed police acquittals, the 2025 unrest was triggered by President Donald Trump’s deployment of 4,100 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to assist with immigration enforcement, citing a “rebellion” against federal authority. California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, opposed the move, with Newsom filing a federal lawsuit alleging Trump overstepped his authority. Protesters, chanting “ICE out of LA!” and waving Mexican flags, clashed with police, who used non-lethal measures like rubber bullets and tear gas. The riots disrupted Hollywood, halting film productions and drawing comparisons to 1992’s violence, though on a smaller scale.
Jen Richards, 48, is a prominent figure in Hollywood, known for roles in Blindspot and Nashville, and her advocacy for transgender rights. As a producer on The Acolyte, Disney+’s Star Wars series set in the High Republic era, Richards contributed to a show that aimed to diversify the franchise. Created by Leslye Headland, The Acolyte premiered on June 4, 2024, starring Amandla Stenberg as twin sisters Osha and Mae, and explored dark-side mysteries 100 years before The Phantom Menace. Despite a 78% Rotten Tomatoes score and 2.7 billion streaming minutes, the series was canceled after one season on August 19, 2024, due to high costs ($230 million) and divisive fan reception.
The Acolyte faced intense backlash from a vocal subset of Star Wars fans, who branded it “The Wokelyte” for its diverse cast, including women and people of color, and perceived progressive themes. Stenberg, who is nonbinary and gay, endured racist and transphobic harassment, prompting her to release a song addressing the “intolerable racism” she faced. Headland, an openly lesbian showrunner, and Richards, a trans producer, were also targeted, with critics on X accusing the series of prioritizing “woke” ideology over lore. A former Canadian TV executive even called for banning women from Star Wars production, citing The Acolyte as evidence of failure. The show’s cancellation was celebrated by some as a victory against Disney’s inclusivity push, though Disney cited cost structures, not fan backlash, as the reason.
Richards’ activism, including her vocal support for marginalized communities, made her a lightning rod during the LA riots. Her participation in the protests aligned with her public persona, but her injury and subsequent criticism of the LAPD thrust her into a new controversy, with some X users mocking her ordeal while others praised her courage.
The Incident: Struck During the Riots
On June 7, 2025, Richards joined thousands of protesters in downtown Los Angeles to oppose ICE raids, which she described on Instagram as a response to “racist fever dreams of a President and his fragile ego.” According to her account, reported by Breitbart and Pink News, the protest was largely peaceful until LAPD officers deployed non-lethal force. Richards wrote, “I was hit by flashbangs and rubber bullets, all while walking backwards with my hands up,” alleging excessive aggression from police. She detailed her injuries—bruising and pain from rubber bullets and disorientation from flashbangs—but clarified she was not shot with live ammunition, contrary to sensationalized claims like a YouTube video titled “Disney Star Wars Activist ‘The Acolyte’ Producer SHOT During LA Riots.”
The incident occurred amid heightened tensions. LAPD Chief Dominic Choi, contradicting Newsom’s claims of de-escalation, told Breitbart that “violence is escalating,” justifying the use of non-lethal rounds to protect officers from rocks and bottles thrown by protesters. A British photojournalist, Nick Stern, was also hit by non-lethal rounds during the same protests, requiring surgery, underscoring the chaotic standoff. Richards’ Instagram post, shared with her 50,000 followers, went viral, drawing sympathy from supporters but derision from detractors on X, who posted comments like “This weenie is whining” and “Needs a few more rounds of rubber bullets.”
The misreporting of Richards’ injury as a “shooting” likely stemmed from exaggerated social media narratives. A June 13, 2025, YouTube video by RKOutpost, viewed over 100,000 times, falsely claimed a The Acolyte producer was “shot,” linking it to her activism and the show’s backlash. X posts echoed this, with @DavidHarvey_SC sharing the video, though others corrected the record, citing Breitbart’s account of rubber bullets. The confusion highlights the rapid spread of misinformation during high-profile events, especially when tied to polarizing figures like Richards and Star Wars.
Why the Incident and Backlash?
Several factors explain Richards’ ordeal and the ensuing controversy:
Political Climate: The 2025 LA riots, sparked by Trump’s National Guard deployment, polarized public opinion. Richards’ protest against ICE raids, framed as resistance to “racist” policies, aligned with progressive activism but clashed with conservative sentiments on X, where users like @SteveSkillen quipped “FAFO” (Find Out, F*** Around), implying she provoked her injury. The riots’ context, with Mexican flags and anti-ICE chants, intensified debates about immigration and protest rights.
Richards’ Public Persona: As a trans activist and The Acolyte producer, Richards was already a target for Star Wars’ toxic fandom, which review-bombed the show and harassed its cast. Her Instagram post criticizing the LAPD invited further vitriol, with X users like @BeachCity55 calling her “scary” and mocking her gender identity. Supporters, however, praised her for exposing police brutality, highlighting her dual role as activist and producer.
The Acolyte’s Legacy: The series’ cancellation, despite 2.7 billion streaming minutes, was a lightning rod for “anti-woke” critics, who celebrated its demise as a rejection of Disney’s diversity push. Richards’ injury was weaponized by detractors to discredit her and the show, with X posts linking her activism to The Acolyte’s failure. Conversely, fans on Reddit’s r/StarWars argued the incident underscored the harassment faced by diverse creators, echoing Amandla Stenberg’s experiences.
Police Tactics Debate: Richards’ claim of “rabid aggression” fueled discussions about LAPD’s use of force. While non-lethal rounds are standard for crowd control, critics, including Newsom, argued they escalated tensions. The injury to Stern, a journalist, raised press freedom concerns, amplifying Richards’ narrative. However, LAPD’s defense, citing protester violence, found support among conservative X users, who dismissed Richards’ account as exaggerated.
Misinformation Spread: The “shot” narrative, propagated by YouTube and X, reflects the speed of misinformation in polarized climates. The error, likely an embellishment of rubber bullet injuries, was corrected by sources like Breitbart, but not before fueling anti-Disney and anti-trans sentiment. This mirrors The Acolyte’s review-bombing, where false narratives shaped public perception.
Public and Industry Reactions
The public response to Richards’ injury is deeply divided. On X, conservative users mocked her, with @jdontom calling her a “weenie” for “whining” about rubber bullets, while @DirtyDeedJack suggested she deserved “more rounds.” These reactions, tied to Breitbart’s framing of Richards as a “transgender actor-producer” in “insurrectionist riots,” reflect the politicization of her ordeal. Supporters, including fans on r/StarWars and Instagram, rallied behind her, with one user writing, “Jen’s bravery in protesting and calling out LAPD is inspiring.” The hashtag #JusticeForJen trended briefly, though dwarfed by #ICEOutOfLA.
Industry reactions are muted. Disney and Lucasfilm have not commented, likely to avoid escalating the controversy, especially after The Acolyte’s cancellation. Headland, who praised Richards’ contributions in a 2024 Hollywood Reporter interview, shared a supportive Instagram story, but no formal statement followed. Netflix, where Richards has worked, also remained silent, reflecting Hollywood’s caution around polarizing figures. Variety noted the incident in a broader report on LA riots’ impact on filming, but avoided delving into Richards’ Star Wars ties, focusing on logistical disruptions.
The Star Wars fandom, already fractured, has seized on the incident. Critics on r/KotakuInAction linked Richards’ injury to The Acolyte’s “woke” agenda, arguing it validates their boycott. Supporters on r/StarWarsSpeculation countered that the harassment Richards faced mirrors Stenberg’s, with one user writing, “The anti-woke crowd is just bullying anyone who isn’t a straight white dude.” The debate has reignited calls for Disney to address toxic fandom, though Northeastern’s Steve Granelli warned that Disney’s silence empowers detractors.
The Bigger Picture: Activism, Fandom, and Police Accountability
Richards’ experience during the LA riots encapsulates broader issues:
Toxic Fandom: The Acolyte’s cancellation, driven partly by review-bombing and harassment, highlights Star Wars’ toxic fanbase, as Los Angeles Times noted. Richards’ injury, tied to her role in the show, has been weaponized by critics, echoing attacks on Daisy Ridley and Kelly Marie Tran. Disney’s failure to counter this, per Northeastern’s Joseph Reagle, risks limiting diverse storytelling.
Activism in Hollywood: Richards’ protest reflects a trend of celebrities engaging in social justice, as seen with Amandla Stenberg’s anti-racism advocacy. However, her LAPD criticism has drawn backlash, with X users framing her as a “Disney activist” whose politics taint Star Wars. This tension, also faced by The Mandalorian’s Gina Carano, underscores Hollywood’s challenge in balancing activism with brand neutrality.
Police Accountability: The use of rubber bullets, criticized by Richards and Stern, has reignited debates about police tactics. The Guardian’s coverage of Stern’s injury noted similar concerns, while LAPD’s defense aligns with conservative views on X. The incident may fuel calls for reform, though California’s lawsuits against Trump’s Guard deployment overshadow local policing debates.
Mental Health and Misinformation: Richards’ ordeal, misreported as a shooting, likely exacerbated her distress, echoing her 2023 comments on The Acolyte’s harassment toll. The spread of false narratives, as seen with South Park’s Meghan Markle satire, highlights social media’s role in amplifying harm. Richards’ resilience, praised by fans, faces ongoing tests in this climate.
What’s Next for Richards and Star Wars?
For Jen Richards, the incident is a defining moment. Her activism, central to her identity, may intensify, with potential speaking engagements or advocacy work, as seen after her 2020 GLAAD Media Awards speech. Her Hollywood career, spanning Blindspot and The Acolyte, remains robust, but Star Wars’ toxic fandom could deter future franchise roles. A return to producing, possibly with Netflix, offers a safer path, though her LAPD criticism may invite further scrutiny from conservative outlets like Breitbart.
For Star Wars, The Acolyte’s cancellation and Richards’ ordeal underscore a franchise in crisis. Forbes argued the show’s failure dampened hype for Skeleton Crew (2024), reflecting fan apathy. Lucasfilm’s focus on The Mandalorian & Grogu (2026) and Daisy Ridley’s Rey film suggests a retreat to safer narratives, but Los Angeles Times warned that avoiding risks like The Acolyte limits growth. Addressing toxic fandom, perhaps through public support for creators like Richards, is critical, though Kathleen Kennedy’s uncertain tenure adds complexity.
The LA riots’ fallout, including Newsom’s lawsuit and LAPD’s tactics, will likely persist, with Richards’ story as a flashpoint. If she pursues legal action against the LAPD, as some X users speculate, it could elevate her profile but deepen divisions. For now, her focus remains on recovery and advocacy, as her Instagram bio—“Telling stories, changing hearts”—suggests.
Conclusion
Jen Richards’ injury during the 2025 LA riots, struck by rubber bullets while protesting ICE raids, is a stark chapter in her journey as a Star Wars: The Acolyte producer and transgender activist. Misreported as a shooting, the incident fueled misinformation and reignited The Acolyte’s “woke” backlash, exposing the toxic undercurrents of Star Wars fandom and the perils of activism in Hollywood. Richards’ courage, met with both support and vitriol, reflects the challenges of navigating a polarized world where police tactics, corporate silence, and social media amplify conflict. As she recovers and Star Wars grapples with its future, Richards’ story is a reminder that even in a galaxy far, far away, real-world battles leave lasting scars. The Force may be with her, but the fight continues.
