#HearVanessaMorgan: Vanessa Morgan trends as 'Riverdale' star speaks out, says Breonna Taylor was murdered by cops
The black community isn’t spared from discrimination even while performing before the camera. The representation of black people in media has been a topic of discussion for a long time. Even the biggest of networks and streaming sites have been called out for choosing white-skinned actors over their black counterparts.
In the light of George Floyd’s death, Vanessa Morgan, who plays the role of Toni Topaz on the hit series ‘Riverdale, took to Twitter on May 31 to share a post in which she talked about media’s portrayal of black people and how she’s tired of playing the sidekick to white leads. “Or only used in ads for diversity but not actually in the show. It starts with the media. I’m not being quiet anymore,” she had said. Following the post, Morgan went on to share a few more tweets through which she’s emphasized fighting racism and the impact the ongoing protests and riots for Floyd has had on her. On June 1 she wrote, “Feeling Depressed :( anyone else?” and On June 3, she shared another tweet saying, “From now on any red carpet or event I will be wearing and supporting Black designers. Any aspiring Black designers hit me up. I got you. I see you.”
On June 4, she tweeted to raise her voice for Breonna Taylor. "Let’s not forget...Breonna Taylor was MURDERED by cops, shot to death in her own home because the cops had the wrong house. Left her there to die!! Why are those cops not charged yet!!!!!!!! We must keep fighting for her #JusticeforBreonnaTaylor."
As Morgan poured her heart out to her fans, they were quick to extend support by making her trend on Twitter with #HearVanessaMorgan, and showered her with endless comments saying she deserves to be treated better. Another hashtag dedicated to the actress is #VanessaMorganDeservesMore.
While one of her fans noted that “She deserves the world” followed by #hearvanessamorgan, adding to that another said, “Vanessa is such an amazing actress, she deserves the world, she deserves to be heard, we love you so much, Van, we will always be by your side.”
One wrote, “IM SO HAPPY SHE KNOWS WE’RE GONNA FIGHT WITH HER #hearvanessamorgan”
Meanwhile, another fan commented saying her role in Riverdale deserves a batter recognition. “@VanessaMorgan knows how I feel about her, but I will GLADLY shout it from the rooftops - as I have for years - that Toni Topaz deserves SO much more screen time & thoughtful storylines. I #hearvanessamorgan & will continue to support her both on and off screen no matter what.”
Another fan spelled out in clear words why Morgan needs to be heard, saying: "#HearVanessaMorgan Toni Topaz is more than Cheryl's girlfriend. She deserves lines and a backstory. Screentime of her own. Vanessa Morgan deserves to act and show her talent through Toni. She plays a biracial bisexual who's too important to be overlooked. Spread the hashtag."
Her fans have also made it their goal to ensure Morgan trends on top. “Our goal is to get it to 20K now, LETS GO #hearvanessamorgan,” wrote one. Overwhelmed by the response she has received from her fans Morgan tweeted a screenshot of her trending hashtag and said, "Best fans in the whole wide world."