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Why was Ray Fisher's Cyborg removed from 'The Flash'? Truth behind allegations as #IStandWithRayFisher trends

'Warner Bros removed a black actor just to protect a white comic book writer,' said a fan

A week after it announced that Cyborg’s role from ‘The Flash’ was cut off following the disputes between Ray Fisher and Warner Media, the actor has released a long statement, trying to shed light on a few misconceptions and called out entertainment conglomerate for its treatment of it employees. The actor has alleged that several Warner Bros. entities had behavioral issues, accusing them of ‘racism and abuse’ during the reshoot of ‘Justice League’. Following this, fans started trending #IStandWithRayFisher on Twitter, extending their support to him. 

Fisher’s cameo from the movie was removed after he refused to work under DC Films President Walter Hamada. He said in a statement prior to his firing, “I will not participate in any production associated with DC Films President Walter Hamada.”

In the statement that he shared on Twitter, Fisher writes, “I have received official confirmation that Warner Bros. Pictures has decided to remove me from the cast of 'The Flash’. I strongly disagree with their decision, but it is one that is unsurprising.”

He goes on to explain why he refused to participate in any production associated with Handa. He cited “Walter’s purposeful attempt to undermine the Justice League investigation” and his attempt to “disseminate” lies to protect himself as the reasons behind his declaration. Fisher has further accused Walter of throwing Joss Whedon and Jon Berg under the bus to protect producer Geoff Johns.

Fisher has written, “Rather than escalate the situation when initially asked, Walter disparaged Joss Whedon and Jon Berg in an attempt to cover for Geoff Johns. When I altered Walter that Geoff was, in fact, a major contributor to the issues experienced, including blatant racism - Walter tried, but to no avail, to get me to reveal the names of witnesses and other specifics that could be used to forewarn Geoff of the claims being brought against him. Walter even went so far as to sharply dismiss certain claims of mine as untrue because of his work experience and personal relationship with Geoff.” He said while it was “safer” for Warner Bros to “phase Geoff Johns out” and let Joss Whedon “exit” on his own will, he shares “neither of those responsibilities”. 

Fisher has said that he’s focused on protecting those who “lend their voice” in the investigation and wants to use whatever power he possesses to ensure a safe workplace environment. He concluded his statement saying, “And if the end of my time as Cyborg is the cost of helping to bring awareness and accountability to Walter Hamada’s actions- I’ll pay it gladly,”

Fisher's fans and other social media users have taken to Twitter to condemn Warner Media's decision to let go of the actor, while not acting on his allegations. And many have slammed the media company for firing a Black actor who spoke against racism. One agitated social media user tweeted, "Warner Bros removed a black actor just to protect a white comic book writer. Let that sink in... #IstandwithRayFisher" Another added, "Hold your executives accountable. They fired a black man for speaking out against the enablers of racism and abuse on set. #IStandWithRayFisher #FireHamada"

Meanwhile, many are of the opinion that removing Fisher from 'The Flash' is going to cost Warner Bros. a big deal and the right thing would be to fire Hamada instead. One said, "I envy such courage. I was pumped about Cyborg cameo in The Flash. I hope Warner Media and Ray Fisher is able to come to a place where where they can resolve the issues soon. But this decision to remove Cyborg is going to cost @wbpictures #IStandWithRayFisher" And another added, "#IstandwithRayFisher please bring him back and fire walter". One wrote, "Tweeting the hashtag is meaningless when you proceed to ignore and then actually punish a black man for talking about abuse and an effort to cover it up . Fire Walter Hamada. He's unfit to run DC films. Give Ray Fisher his cyborg role back. #IstandwithRayFisher"