Ahmed Best contemplated suicide almost "20 years ago" after he was targeted by vicious trolls for his portrayal of Jar Jar Binks in the ‘Star Wars’ prequels.
The 44-year-old actor has revealed he almost took his own life two decades ago when 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)"
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.
Ahmed Best contemplated suicide over Star Wars backlash
