**Warning: this post contains major spoilers for "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker."
Actor John Boyega, known for playing "Finn" in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, including Rise of Skywalker, recently spoke up after being accused of writing a misogynistic comment on social media.
On New Year's Eve, Boyega posted a video of himself dancing on Instagram and wrote:
Stepping into 2020 like
A fan hinted that Finn would be doing the same happy dance knowing he has a chance to get together with Rey, who had shared a romantic kiss right before Kylo Ren died at the end of the movie.
The fan wrote:
"My boy after realizing Kylo died so he can date Rey."
In the Rise of Skywalker it is implied that Boyega's character Finn has a secret crush on Rey, played by Daisy Ridley, and has failed in his attempts at verbalizing his affection to her.
The actor responded to the fan and used a sexual term.
"It's not about who she kisses but who eventually lays the pipe. You are a genius."
Here is a screenshot of the Instagram comment captured by @Arbiterwarpig.
Boyega's boastful comment riled social media users.
Page Six identified Twitter user Hannha Crogmen, who in a now-deleted tweet accused Boyega of being jealous of Adam Driver – the actor who played First Order leader, Kylo Ren.
"Bro you;re extremly disgusting and gross also f---ing disrespectful…you cannot be this jealous of adam driver dude."
She added:
"As a black woman i'm f---ing ashamed that someone like you represented us in star wars."
Boyega responded to the backlash by clarifying his quip did not apply to him and his co-star Ridley, but that it was intended for their fictional characters, instead.
"You obviously don't know the difference between a fictional world and reality."
Boyega added that his friend Ridley would not be offended by his comment.
"Daisy knows she isn't the character. Lol so tbh she doesn't give AF."
However, his rationale was not enough to sway those who believed his comment was sexist.
And when a user called him out, he had combative words.
Others accused "Reylos" – a mashup term of Rey and Kylo for those rooting for their romantic involvement – of being too sensitive.
Some fans still had Boyega's back.
But when you are involved in a Hollywood juggernaut like Star Wars, perhaps it is best not to give in to the dark side.
Media outlets reported that Ridley has not personally commented on the issue and that representatives for Boyega have not immediately responded for comments.
In addition to the Star Wars sequels, you can see Boyega in Pacific Rim Uprising available here.
