In recent news, the world of anime has been buzzing with controversy surrounding the voice actor Anaris in Bleach English Dub. Anaris’s role in the series was short-lived, and the controversy has sparked conversations and mixed feelings among fans and the anime community.
Wendee Lee’s latest tweets add fuel to the fire.
Anaris, who was part of Bleach English Dub for just a few episodes, found herself at the centre of a heated debate. Wendy Lee, a prominent voice actor, took to Twitter to express her frustrations and criticism regarding Anaris’s casting. Wendy indirectly suggested that Anaris was hired solely to fulfil diversity requirements, as black voice actors are relatively rare in the industry.
The Wendee Lee situation amazes me not only in the fact that she somehow speedrun ending her career, but the amount of actors that have come forward saying "She's always been a piece of shit" has basically cemented that next to no one is going to want to work with her after this
— Michael Edwards (@MEdwardsVA) October 23, 2023
Wendy Lee shifted the blame onto StudioPolis for what she saw as a casting mistake, potentially insinuating that Anaris might be less talented. This has created a complex situation with many unanswered questions. If we consider Wendy’s claims insignificant, it raises the question of why Anaris wasn’t given more opportunities. Many felt that she was doing an excellent job in her role, and her removal seems unwarranted.
Was Anaris hired for Bleach English Dub as a diversity hire?
The situation has evoked sympathy for Wendee Lee, as being replaced in a role you’ve portrayed for years can be a deeply emotional experience. However, the heart of the matter is whether Anaris was indeed cast primarily for Bleach English Dub because of her race or if there were other factors at play. There’s no strong reason to justify Anaris stepping into Yourichi’s character.
Some people can understand Wendee’s rage, but others believe that she ought to have kept quiet. Her tweets seemed to unintentionally degrade Anaris, who is not at fault in this situation. The root of the problem appears to be StudioPolis’s casting decisions for Bleach English Dub rather than the talents of the voice actors.
Wishing Anairis the very best. I reached out & apologized. Mistakenly assumed my colleagues knew I originated the role and felt unsupported by the disappointment expressed in their comments re the cast change. Apologies, and heartfelt well wishes to Anairis. Welcome to the cast.
— Wendee Lee (@WendeeLeeVO) October 23, 2023
Our take: Silence is golden sometimes.
It’s essential to remember that Twitter can be a platform for drama, and the anime community has seen its fair share of controversies in the past. In this case, many believe that silence would have been the better option for Wendee, as it inadvertently led to the tarnishing of Anaris’s reputation.
In the end, this controversy is a reflection of the complexities within the anime industry, particularly when it comes to casting decisions and diversity. It’s a reminder that sometimes, even with the best intentions, misunderstandings and conflicts can arise. The hope is that the industry will continue to evolve and ensure that all talented voice actors receive fair opportunities, regardless of their background.
