Bode made it clear that it’s perfectly fine for audiences to dislike Nessarose as a character. “She’s complex, with flaws and poor decisions,” Bode said, acknowledging the role’s multifaceted nature. However, she emphasized that jokes about her character’s disability are unacceptable. “Disability is not fictional,” she stated, highlighting that, beyond her role, she is a disabled person in a wheelchair.
The actress shared her personal experiences with ableist comments, recalling how people had previously made hurtful jokes about her disability, both before and after she was cast in Wicked. She stressed that such comments, like “stand up for yourself” or “I guess you can’t stand him,” are not original and often feel like laughing at disabled people rather than with them.
Bode also expressed the fear she felt in addressing the issue, noting how difficult it is to speak up about ableism in a public space. “The comments do not exist in a vacuum,” she explained, adding that harmful remarks toward disabled people can cause real emotional damage. She also pointed out that disabled advocates who speak out often face harassment and pushback, which can harm their mental well-being.
Calling on Wicked fans to be more mindful, Bode urged them to listen to those affected by ableism and understand how such comments can harm people with disabilities. She shared that, although she’s now in a better place to handle these situations, she worries about how younger disabled individuals might be affected by similar comments online.
Bode concluded her message by reminding viewers of one of Wicked's central themes: the importance of listening and understanding each other. She hopes this lesson resonates with fans and encourages more kindness in discussions about disability.
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