Xuenou > Movies > The Role Of David In The Live-Action “Lilo & Stitch” Has Been Recast After Kahiau Machado’s Reported Use Of The N-Word On Social Media Resurfaced
The Role Of David In The Live-Action “Lilo & Stitch” Has Been Recast After Kahiau Machado’s Reported Use Of The N-Word On Social Media Resurfaced
The Role Of David In The Live-Action "Lilo & Stitch" Has Been Recast After Kahiau Machado's Reported Use Of The N-Word On Social Media Resurfaced,Kaipo Dudoit will now play the role of David.

The Role Of David In The Live-Action “Lilo & Stitch” Has Been Recast After Kahiau Machado’s Reported Use Of The N-Word On Social Media Resurfaced

Over the past few weeks, Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch has been plagued with casting controversies.

Twitter: @thebookosaur

However, many social media users have begun looking into Sydney’s background and have found no indication that she is actually Native Hawaiian in any databases, newspaper clippings, etc. Some social media users also claim that her mother is a Realtor in Hawai‘i.

Sydney Agudong / Via instagram.com

I think it’s important to note that I haven’t found any interviews from Sydney where she specifically states whether she is Native Hawaiian. If she really isn’t, the role of Nani obviously needs to be recast immediately. Lilo & Stitch was the first big Disney movie about Native Hawaiians, and it specifically incorporated their culture and struggles. As a Polynesian woman myself, I can say it was the first mainstream representation I had as a kid. To cast someone who doesn’t have Native Hawaiian blood would be infuriating.

The casting of Kahiau Machado for the role of David Kawena was also met with intense backlash.

Disney

You can view Kahiau’s Instagram here.

Social media users called Disney out for casting Kahiau after screenshots of the actor reportedly using the n-word on social media surfaced.

Disney

The role of David will now go to relative newcomer Kaipo Dudoit.

@mypartnerthemovie / KSG Films / Via instagram.com

We’ll be sure to let you know if there are any more updates.