Harry Potter star Paapa Essiedu speaks on receiving death threats since joining series

English actor, Paapa Essiedu who was cast to play Severus Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, has revealed that he has been receiving death threats since the cast was announced.

The 35-year-old stage actor, while speaking about the racism he’s endured since joining the HBO show’s cast, stated that the threats have affected his mental health.

“It really matters. The reality is that if I look at Instagram I will see somebody saying, ‘I’m going to come to your house and kill you.’ So, while I’m pretty sure I’m not going to be murdered—that could age badly!. But, yes, while I hope I’ll be OK, nobody should have to encounter this for doing their job. Many people put their lives on the line in their work. I’m playing a wizard in Harry Potter. And I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t affect me emotionally,” he stated.

Paapa, however, revealed that despite the hateful remarks, he will not be staying offline as it is not going to solve the issue of racism.

“Even if you successfully ignore it, it doesn’t mean it’s not happening. The issue remains endemic and, anyway, people see stuff and message to ask if I’m OK,” he added.