Ahmed Best contemplated suicide over 'Star Wars' backlash

Ahmed Best. Picture: Instagram

Ahmed Best. Picture: Instagram

Published Jul 4, 2018

Share

Ahmed Best has admitted he toyed with the idea of committing suicide 20 years ago after he received death threats from fans for his portrayal of Jar Jar Binks in the 'Star Wars' prequels.

The 44-year-old actor has revealed that die-hard fans of the original trilogy bombarded him with death threats because they felt his goofy character, which was loved by kids, was too out of place. 

Taking to his Instagram account, Ahmed uploaded a photograph of him and his young son standing at his suicide spot and he wrote: "20 years next year I faced a media backlash that still affects my career today. This was the place I almost ended my life. It's still hard to talk about. I survived and now this little guy is my gift for survival. Would this be a good story for my solo show? Lemme know. (sic)"

I’ve been thinking of doing a twenty year #ThePhantomMenace solo show next year. I don’t talk a lot about my experience as #jarjarbinks because a lot of it is very painful. I faced a media backlash that still affects my career today. This was the place I almost ended my life. It’s still hard to talk about. I survived and now this little guy is my gift for survival. I’m ready to tell this story but I’m curious to know if a show like this is something people want to see. Lemme know. #depressionisreal #survivor #soninmyeyes #fathersonvacay

A post shared by Ahmed Best(@bestahmed) on Jul 3, 2018 at 1:01pm PDT

Ahmed first starred in franchise in 1999 when his role was written into 'Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace' - his first major film role - but despite the backlash he received for his portrayal, creator George Lucas liked the character and Jar Jar appeared again in 'Attack of the Clones' and 'Revenge of the Sith'.

Ahmed said previously: "I had death threats through the internet. I had people come to me and say, 'You destroyed my childhood.' That's difficult for a 25 year old to hear."

Ahmed isn't the first star of the franchise to face negative comments from fans as Daisy Ridley - who plays Rey in 'The Last Jedi' - quit Twitter to avoid the trolling, while Kelly Marie Tran - who portrays Rose Tico - deleted her Instagram after she suffered months of racist and sexist abuse on social media for acting in the movie.

Related Topics: