NETFLIX’s Fate: The Winx Saga cast have hit back at claims the show lacks in diversity.
The teen drama has also been slammed for ‘whitewashing’ lead roles, especially regarding the character of Musa.
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Fans of the original show have argued that the mind fairy Musa (played by Elisha Applebaum) should have been played by an Asian actress.
The Netflix series also received criticism for not including Latina fairy Flora in the first season.
Instead, Eliot Salt is portraying a brand new white character named Terra, who is revealed to be Flora’s cousin.
In response to the claims, Applebaum, 25, told Radio Times and other media: “It’s really sad to see that fans were upset with the casting. I wasn’t involved in the casting but I hope that what they’ve seen and how I’ve portrayed Musa was to their liking.
“I’ve only seen great reviews back from them so they’ve been open-minded from what I’ve created, so I hope that it continues to be that way.”
Eliot, 27, also weighed in on the controversy and hopes her character will return for the second series on the giant streaming platform.
She explained: “I think it’s really important that we do see [Terra and Flora together] and if we’re lucky enough to get a season two that’s my greatest hope.
“I think the conversations that have happened around that have been really important and I’m really glad that they’ve happened.”
