The post, shared online with the caption “You Are All Welcome Here”, was put together by Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan – who played the famous Hobbit quartet in the original trilogy.
The series premiered last week on Amazon. Its cast members feature actors of colour including Sir Lenny Henry, Sophia Nomvete and Ismael Cruz Cordova.
But the decision to cast people of colour in the roles of elves, dwarves and Harfoots has sparked backlash.
Writing on Twitter, Wood and Astin both shared pictures of themselves wearing clothing featuring images of pointed ears of different colours.
The Rings of Power premiered on Amazon
Amazon Studios
The series features a diverse cast
Yui Mok
In a joint statement, cast members of the Amazon series said they “refused to ignore or tolerate” the abuse.
It reads: “We, the cast of Rings of Power, stand together in absolute solidarity and against the relentless racism, threats, harassment, and abuse some of our castmates of color are being subjected to on a daily basis.
“We refuse to ignore it or tolerate it. JRR Tolkien created a world which, by definition, is multicultural.
“A world in which free peoples from different races and cultures join together, in fellowship, to defeat the forces of evil. Rings of Power reflects that.
“Our world has never been all white, fantasy has never been all white, Middle-earth is not all white. BIPOC belong in Middle-earth and they are here to stay.”
The statement thanked fans of colour for their “love and fellowship” who had also received abuse.
It continued: “We see you, your bravery, and endless creativity. Your cosplays, fancams, fan art, and insights make this community a richer place and remind us of our purpose.
“You are valid, you are loved, and you belong. You are an integral part of the LOTR family — thanks for having our backs.”
Lord Of The Rings: Rings Of Power premiered on Amazon Prime on September 2.
