In a move that has stirred considerable debate, Percy Hynes White, known for his portrayal of Xavier Thorpe in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday,’ has been dropped from the show following allegations of sexual misconduct. These claims, which surfaced online, suggest White was involved in over-serving women at a party with the intent of sexual encounters. Despite the actor’s firm denial of these accusations, Netflix has decided to part ways with him, leading to heated debates among fans.
White’s character, Xavier Thorpe, was a brooding artist in ‘Wednesday,’ initially suspected as the series’ antagonist, only to be revealed as a protector of the title character, potentially setting the stage for a romantic storyline. His departure has shocked fans, who had widely accepted and loved his portrayal.
The allegations against White first emerged through a now-deleted tweet, accusing him of predatory behavior towards underage girls. Responding to these claims, White issued a statement, vehemently denying the allegations and shedding light on the personal toll of the situation. He said, “Earlier this year, somebody I’ve never met started a campaign of misinformation about me online. Because of this, my family has been doxxed, and my friends have received death threats.” White continued, emphasizing the impact of these allegations: “The rumors are false. I can’t accept the portrayal of me as someone bigoted, or criminally negligent of people’s safety.”
Despite the lack of substantiation for these claims, Netflix’s decision to remove White from ‘Wednesday’ has raised questions about the handling of such allegations in the entertainment industry. This decision contrasts with the actor’s recent casting in a new high school horror flick titled ‘Whistle,’ directed by ‘The Nun‘ director Corin Hardy. In ‘Whistle,’ White joins a cast including Dafne Keen and Nick Frost, indicating that other studios may not view the allegations as a disqualifying factor.
In ‘Whistle,’ White will delve into a storyline involving a cursed Aztec Death Whistle, a theme consistent with the grim tones he excelled in while on ‘Wednesday.’ This role marks a swift pivot for the actor, whose career had been momentarily clouded by the controversy.
The diverging responses of Netflix and other studios to the allegations against White highlight the complexities and challenges faced by the entertainment industry in addressing and navigating unproven claims. As White transitions to his new role in ‘Whistle,’ the debate around his exit from ‘Wednesday’ continues, underscoring the ongoing conversation about accountability, due process, and the impact of social media in the public and professional spheres.