Stranger Things star opens up about racist abuse suffered

Stranger Things star Caleb McLaughlin has detailed racist abuse he has suffered from co-called fans of the popular Netflix series.

McLaughlin has played Lucas Sinclair since the first episode and remains a key member of the main cast, enjoying a very interesting character arc in season four as he dealt with new-found popularity which clashed with his group of friends, 'The Party'.

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As the only black member of the roster of main characters, he has been targeted for abuse by racists - even for some of Lucas' acts in the show.

“It definitely took a toll on me as a younger kid,” Caleb said at Heroes Comic Con.

“My very first Comic Con, some people didn’t stand in my line because I was Black. Some people told me, ‘Oh I didn’t want to be in your line because you were mean to Eleven’.

“Even now, some people don’t follow me or don’t support me because I’m Black. Sometimes overseas, you feel the racism, you feel the bigotry. Sometimes it’s hard to talk about and for people to understand, but when I was younger, it definitely affected me a lot.

“Because I was born with this beautiful chocolate skin, I’m not loved, but that’s why with my platform, I want to spread positivity and love because I do not give hate back to people who give hate to me.”

Stranger Things will conclude with season five which will be released in 2024.