'Rings Of Power' cast won't tolerate 'relentless racism' against some of its members

The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power cast have said they refuse to tolerate the “relentless racism” against some of the show's actors.

The latest instalment in the hugely popular universe has been unveiled and there has been a racist backlash over the fact that it includes non-white actors such as Sir Lenny Henry, who plays the character Sadoc Burrows.

However, the cast have now responded to say they will not ignore the racism and that Lord Of The Rings author JRR Tolkien "created a world which, by definition, is multi-cultural".

Read more: The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power: How to watch the TV series in the UK

They posted on Instagram: "We, the cast of Rings Of Power, stand in absolute solidarity against the relentless racism, threats, harassment, and abuse some of our castmates of colour are being subjected to on a daily basis.

"We refuse to ignore it or tolerate it.”

The message went on: “JRR Tolkien created a world which, by definition, is multi-cultural.

"A world in which free peoples from different races and cultures join together, in the fellowship, to defeat the forces of evil.

“Rings Of Power reflects that.

"Our world has never been all white, fantasy has never been all white, Middle-earth is not all white. BIPOC belong in Middle-earth and they are here to stay."

The actors sent all their "love and fellowship" to the fans supporting them, "especially fans of colour who are themselves being attacked simply for existing in this fandom".

"We see you, your bravery, and endless creativity," they continued.

“Your cosplays, fancams, fan art, and insights make this community a richer place and remind us of our purpose.

"You are valid, you are loved, and you belong.

"You are an integral part of the LOTR family – thanks for having our backs.”

Elijah Wood, who played Frodo in the Lord Of The Rings films - which were set thousands of years after the prequel series - has also shown his support.

He tweeted a snap of himself and fellow hobbits Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd wearing t-shirts featuring lots of different ears in different tones.

"You are all welcome here," he wrote.

Author Neil Gaiman has also waded in to the whole thing, after trolls mistakenly targeted him over the show - when he wasn't actually involved.

"I'm so sorry," he joked on Twitter.

Read more: How Elijah Wood went the extra mile to become Frodo in Lord Of The Rings

"I have taken your hurt to heart and promise that I will no longer make any Lord Of The Rings based television for any network ever."

The cast of the Amazon show includes Trystan Gravelle as Pharazôn, Morfydd Clark as Galadriel, Cynthia Addai-Robinson as Queen Regent Mariel, and Robert Aramayo as Elrond.

Other stars include Owain Arthur, Maxim Baldry, Nazanin Boniadi, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Sophia Nomvete and Charles Edwards.

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