Wicked Star Marissa Bode Calls for Disability Awareness, Condemns Ableism & Offensive Jokes in Movie

Marissa Bode, the actress portraying Nessarose in the film adaptation of Wicked, has recently spoken out against ableism and harmful jokes related to her character’s disability.

In a heartfelt TikTok video shared on November 30, she addressed the “very gross and harmful” comments that have surfaced since the film’s release on November 22, 2024. Bode, who uses a wheelchair in her daily life, emphasized that while it is acceptable to dislike a fictional character, mocking disabilities crosses a line.

@marissa_edob

Representation is important but that’s not the only thing that will save the disabled community. I need a lot of y’all (non-disabled people) to do the work. To dissect and unlearn your own ableism. Listen to disabled people. Follow other disabled people outside of just me. Read up on the disability rights movement/watch the documentary Crip Camp! I understand no one likes feeling like they’re being scolded. But true progress never comes with comfort. And that’s ok. #wicked #nessa 💗💚

♬ original sound – Marissa

Bode described these jokes as “low-hanging fruit” that many people feel too comfortable making. She stated, “When these jokes are being made by non-disabled strangers with a punchline of not being able to walk, it very much feels like laughing at rather than laughing with”.

The actress highlighted particularly troubling remarks that suggest harm towards her character or imply that she “deserves” her disability, noting that such comments are not only hurtful but also reflect a broader societal issue regarding how disabled individuals are perceived and treated.

In her video, Bode called for greater empathy and understanding, urging viewers to recognize the real impact of their words. She reflected on her own experiences with similar comments prior to her casting in Wicked, stating that these remarks are not original but rather part of a troubling trend of ableism.

Bode expressed concern for younger individuals who may be more affected by such negativity and encouraged everyone to engage in uncomfortable conversations about disability and ableism.

Concluding her message, she urged non-disabled individuals to “do the work” to unlearn their own biases and to approach discussions about disability with sensitivity. She recommended resources such as reading about the disability rights movement and watching documentaries like Crip Camp to foster understanding.

Bode’s advocacy highlights a significant theme from Wicked: the importance of listening to and understanding marginalized voices.