Rosario Dawson responds to backlash over her being cast as Ahsoka Tano on The Mandalorian. Dawson made her highly-anticipated debut as ex-Jedi Ahsoka Tano in the latest episode of the Disney+ series. The fan-favorite Star Wars character was featured on animated shows The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels but had her first live-action appearance in season 2, episode 5 of The Mandalorian. However, her casting was rejected by some fans for multiple reasons. Some felt that Ahsoka should continue to be played by voice actor Ashley Eckstein, who voiced the character in Clone Wars and Rebels.

Another reason for the casting controversy has more to do with Dawson's personal life. Just over a year ago, a lawsuit was filed against Dawson and her family by a longtime family friend over an alleged transphobic assault. Dedrek Finley, a transgender man, claimed that the actor and her family subjected him to verbal abuse, harassment, and anti-trans discrimination, including misgendering, after being hired to move from New York City to Los Angeles to renovate Dawson's home. Finley claimed that Dawson held him down in one physical confrontation while her mother, Isabel Dawson, repeatedly punched him. Though Dawson called the accusations "false" and "baseless," the actor was accused of being transphobic, and many were not pleased with her casting in The Mandalorian.

Related: The Mandalorian: Why Ahsoka Refuses To Train Baby Yoda (Because of Vader)

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Dawson responded to the backlash, saying she understands why fans were concerned about her casting. Dawson, who came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community herself earlier this year, also spoke on her support and empowerment of the community. Read Dawson's full comment in the space below:

Well, firstly, I just want to say I understand that, and why people were concerned, and are concerned. I would be too if I heard some of those claims. But I mean, as we’re seeing right now in these past months, and just recently, actually, the truth is coming out. Every single claim of discrimination has been dismissed by the person who made them, and as you’ve said, the fact that this is coming from someone I’ve known since I was a teenager, the better part of my life, and who my family was trying to help as we have many times in the past, it really just makes me sad. But I still have a great empathy for him.

Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano in The Mandalorian

Vanity Fair reports that 18 of the 20 claims made against Dawson and her family were dropped, with the two counts remaining alleging a physical altercation and awaits the Los Angeles County Superior Court next month to decide on whether the case can move forward. "The reason that all of the discrimination claims were dropped is because they didn’t happen," said Dawson. "I was raised in a very inclusive and loving way, and that’s how I’ve lived my entire life. I’ve always used my voice to fight for, lift up, and empower the LGBTQA community, and use my platform to channel trans voices, in fiction and nonfiction work that I’ve produced and directed. So I feel the record is really clear."

Fans' initial backlash against Dawson's casting is understandable, especially in the Star Wars universe, which has notably attempted to promote inclusivity in recent years. It's unclear now whether Dawson will return as Ahsoka this season of The Mandalorian or if it will be after season 2 before viewers see her again.

Dawson's performance in The Mandalorian was well-received, and fans are just happy to see Ahsoka back on screen. Though Dawson has addressed the allegations against her, the controversy is likely to come up again if the judge decides to proceed with the case next month. If the court were to rule against Dawson in such a shocking allegation, it would be hard for many to see her return to play such a beloved character.

More: Ahsoka Tano Explained: The Mandalorian's Former Jedi's Clone Wars History Explained

Source: Vanity Fair