Katie Leung Speaks Out on Racist Comments 15 Years Later

A Magical Journey with Its Challenges

The Harry Potter franchise is one of the most beloved and iconic series in modern entertainment, filled with countless magical moments. However, behind the enchanting world of wizards and spells, there were also challenges that some of the cast had to face. Among them was Katie Leung, who played Cho Chang in the films. Her experience highlights the darker side of fame, including dealing with racism and online bullying.

Cho Chang, introduced in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, became a significant character in the series. She was portrayed as Harry’s love interest, and her relationship with him was explored further in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Leung reflected on her time as Cho Chang and spoke openly about the racism she encountered during her time in the spotlight.

Leung joined the franchise at a time when it was already a global phenomenon. When asked how she coped with sudden fame, she admitted, "I don’t think I did." She acknowledged that while there were positive aspects of being part of such a popular project, the negative experiences were overwhelming. "Being in the spotlight from that age, when you’re already insecure, was difficult, to say the least."

Despite the challenges, Leung found joy in acting. "I thought: this is different from school, and I really did not enjoy school. So it was a way to escape." She added that she was still trying to understand how the experience affected her personally.

At the time, young actors were supported, but discussions around mental health and social media were not as prevalent as they are today. Leung recalled, "I don’t know if anything could have been done back then to make things better or easier. At that age, you’re curious." She mentioned that she often searched for information about herself online, which she believed was something no one could have stopped.

The actress also shared how she dealt with racism and hurtful comments. "I didn’t. I think it just sat with me, and it affected me in ways like, ‘Oh yeah, I made that decision because people were saying this about me.’ It probably made me less outgoing. I was very self-aware of what was coming out of my mouth."

Leung also felt that her fame was undeserved. "It happened by pure chance. And for the longest time, I may have tried to make up for it, and overcompensate."

New Opportunities and Continued Success

Although Leung gained recognition for her role in Harry Potter, she has continued to build her career outside of the franchise. Recently, she joined another major IP: Bridgerton. The actress described the experience as "quite familiar," but noted that she is now older and more confident in handling large projects.

Bridgerton is a Netflix historical romance series that has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Season 4 will follow Benedict Bridgerton’s story, and Leung will play Lady Araminta Gun, a new character in the Ton.

The fourth season is set to premiere in two parts. Part 1 will be released on January 29, followed by Part 2 on February 26.