Director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy Faces Unjust Backlash Over Misinterpreted Quote About Women Empowerment in Star Wars

LOS ANGELES — The upcoming Star Wars director, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, is facing backlash from certain segments of the fanbase and politicians like Ted Cruz. In a recent quote, Obaid-Chinoy expressed her intention to “make men uncomfortable.” However, this quote is from a panel discussion eight years ago, where she was discussing her award-winning films about honor killings and acid attacks against women in Pakistan.

These comments are being taken out of context and used to fuel the ongoing anti-women campaign within the Star Wars community. Obaid-Chinoy’s upcoming film focuses on the character Rey, who has been criticized for being a “Mary Sue.” The director’s statements were not about men’s discomfort with a female director, but rather about addressing the horrific injustices faced by women.

This is not the first time that Obaid-Chinoy’s quotes have been distorted to fit certain narratives. In a previous instance, she mentioned the significance of having a woman shape a story in the Star Wars universe. However, her statement was misunderstood, with men listing prominent female Star Wars characters instead.

The irony lies in the fact that Obaid-Chinoy’s quote about making men uncomfortable holds true today. However, instead of confronting the issue of acid attacks, certain individuals are bothered by a woman directing a Star Wars movie that features a female lead.

The continuous misrepresentation of Obaid-Chinoy’s statements is bound to create further controversy in the coming years. It is disheartening that her goal of empowering women is met with such opposition. As the release of her film approaches, it is crucial to address the real message behind her work and celebrate the progress made in diversifying the Star Wars franchise.

In conclusion, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the director of the upcoming Star Wars film, faces criticism for a quote taken out of context. Her intention to “make men uncomfortable” stems from her advocacy for women’s rights and addressing social issues. The misinterpretation of her statements highlights the ongoing challenges she faces as a female director in a predominantly male-driven industry.