Batwoman star Ruby Rose quits Twitter over online abuse
Ruby Rose was seen as perfect for the role of Jewish lesbian superhero Kate Kane, but critics have claimed she is not gay enough.
Monday 13 August 2018 17:59, UK
Actress Ruby Rose has quit Twitter over abuse she has received since winning the role in a rebooted Batwoman TV series.
The Australian - a Jewish woman who has been openly gay since 2006 - was seen as perfect for the role of Kate Kane, who will be television's first openly lesbian superhero lead.
DC Comics confirmed her casting last week as part of a move to make its publications more diverse, with the show expected to debut on the The CW Network in the US by early 2020.
But the announcement has since been criticised because she is neither Jewish, nor - in the opinion of some in the LGBT community - gay enough.
One tweeter, @thevalkyriors, wrote: "Kate Kane being Jewish is just as important as her being a lesbian. They should've tried harder to cast a Jewish lesbian actor."
Upset fan @gaylaleidoscope, who is trying to force Rose's dismissal with a "RecastBatwoman" hashtag, added: "I'm seeing opinions about how people should be angry at Warner Bros (WB) and not RR for the #Batwoman role.
"Believe me, people are mad at the CW/WB too, but to say RR isn't at fault too is wrong. She knows BW is Jewish, it's in the character description and yet she still auditioned."
As she closed her account, Rose - who stars in Orange Is The New Black - tweeted: "Where on earth did 'Ruby is not a lesbian therefore she can't be Batwoman' come from? Has to be the funniest, most ridiculous thing I've ever read.
"I came out at 12? And have for the past five years had to deal with 'she's too gay'. How do y'all flip it like that? I didn't change. I wish we would all support each other and our journeys.
"When women and when minorities join forces we are unstoppable. When we tear each other down it's
much more hurtful than from any group."
She continued: "But hey, love a challenge. I just wish women and the LGBT community supported each other more.
"I am looking forward to getting more than four hours of sleep and to break from Twitter to focus all my energy on my next two projects. If you need me, I'll be on my Bat Phone."
Rose - who describes herself as "gender fluid" - had shared her excitement at being cast in the show on Instagram.
She posted a picture of herself and Batwoman along with the message: "The Bat is out of the bag and I am beyond thrilled and honoured".
"I'm also an emotional wreck.. because this is a childhood dream.
"This is something I would have died to have seen on TV when I was a young member of the LGBT community who never felt represented on TV and felt alone and different.
"Thank you everyone. Thank you god."