Katie Leung Opens Up About Harry Potter Casting Backlash

Katie Leung, recognised for her role as Cho Chang—Harry’s first crush in the Harry Potter films—has spoken candidly about the tough times she faced after landing the part. In a recent chat, she described the wave of racist bullying and online nastiness that came her way as a teenager, right after she was cast in the blockbuster series.

It was overwhelming from the get-go. Being in the spotlight from that age, when you’re already insecure, was difficult, to say the least… I remember being very curious about what people were saying about me, and I was Googling myself. Nobody could have stopped me, because I was old enough to make up my own mind.

I think it just sat with me, and it affected me in ways like, ‘Oh yeah, I made that decision because people were saying this about me.’ It probably made me less outgoing. I was very self-aware of what was coming out of my mouth. And for the longest time, I may have tried to make up for it and overcompensate.

Leung said the sudden fame left her feeling exposed and unsure of herself. She admitted to searching her own name online, only to find a heap of cruel comments that knocked her confidence. With little support to help her handle the negativity, she found it even harder to cope.

Cho Chang: A Name That Sparked Controversy

Looking back, Leung’s challenges didn’t end with the abuse. The name of her character, Cho Chang, has long been criticised by fans for being tone-deaf and lacking cultural authenticity. Many reckon the name doesn’t reflect any real Asian background, instead coming across as generic and awkward. Some have pointed out that it even echoes phrases used to take the mickey out of Asian languages, which only adds to the discomfort.

For Leung, this was just another layer to an already rough experience. She was young, suddenly in the public eye, and dealing with racism—then had to carry a character name that’s now seen as a symbol of poor representation. It’s a reminder of how little thought was given to diversity at the time.

Harry Potter Franchise at a Glance

Here’s a quick look at the basics: the Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, includes seven books and eight films (not counting the three Fantastic Beasts spin-offs). The films were produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and starred Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, and Ralph Fiennes. The franchise has pulled in a massive $9.5 billion at the box office across all eleven films.

Finding Safety and Support in Bridgerton

Over time, Leung has learnt to tune out the noise and focus on her craft. This new outlook helped her step into the world of Bridgerton, where she plays Lady Araminta Gun in the much-hyped fourth season. Her character is a determined mum, keen to see her daughters married off.

Leung said her experience on the Netflix series was a world away from her earlier days. She felt welcomed and supported from the start, describing herself as “blessed” to be part of the show, even after the tough times she’d faced as a teen.

It feels quite familiar, in a sense. Also, I’m older, and at a place in my life where I’m not too fazed going into something seemingly so huge.

Their inclusion and diversity behind and in front of the camera is just… You can see it and feel it, and that made me feel really safe to be able to kind of play as an actor.

What stood out for Leung was the show’s genuine commitment to diversity, both on and off screen. She said the inclusive vibe made her feel safe and respected, giving her the freedom to enjoy her work. For her, Bridgerton is a place where representation isn’t just a box to tick—it’s part of the fabric of the show.

Do you reckon ‘Cho Chang’ was a racist name? Share your thoughts below.

The Harry Potter films are streaming on HBO Max. Bridgerton is available on Netflix.

This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire