'Andor' sparked backlash with the first sexual assault in 'Star Wars.' Adria Arjona says it's important the story is 'honest and genuine.'
Fans aren't happy that "Andor" includes the first sexual assault in "Star Wars." Adria Arjona says she had "in-depth" conversations about the story.
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- The third episode of "Andor" season two includes an attempted sexual assault.
- It has sparked backlash from some "Star Wars" fans, who think it's out of place in the franchise.
- Adria Arjona told Business Insider it was important to deal with her story in a genuine way.
Warning: Major spoilers for "Andor" season two.
"Andor" season two sparked backlash among fans by including the first reference to sexual assault in "Star Wars." Actor Adria Arjona said she had in-depth conversations to get her story right.
The series takes place five years before the events of the 2016 movie, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," which is a prequel to 1977's "Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope."
Arjona plays Bix Caleen, a rebel fighter who was tortured by the Empire in "Andor" season one and is experiencing PTSD. In the third episode of season two, Imperial Lieutenant Krole (Alex Waldmann) attempts to force himself on her while she's hiding on a farming planet.
In the scene, he references the fact that she is an "illegal" and offers to stay quiet as long as she sleeps with him. When Caleen refuses, Krole attacks her, and she kills him with a wrench.
"Andor" doesn't shy away from the attempted sexual assault, as Caleen angrily says, "He tried to rape me."
It's the first time that "Star Wars" has directly used the word.
The scene was met with backlash from a portion of fans after the first arc of the season aired on Tuesday.
Some viewers said they felt rape and sexual assault should not be included in a franchise that was originally intended for children. Others said the episode should have a trigger warning.
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