Wendee Lee Fired, Then Rehired?! StudioPolis Accused of Being Racist

Publish date: 2024-06-06

Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the casting of the Bleach English dub, Studio Polis has issued a statement that has ignited a fresh wave of discussions and debates within the anime community. The statement sheds light on a casting mistake that has left many fans dissatisfied and questioning the decisions behind the scenes.

According to the statement, a casting coordinator at Studio Polis made a critical error by selecting Anairis Quiñones for a role in the series, which, unfortunately, led to the casting of fan favourite Wendee Lee being overlooked. It wasn’t until Bleach English dub episode 22 had already aired that the higher executives at the studio realized the blunder. Immediately recognizing the gravity of the situation, they decided to bring Wendee Lee back into the role, forcing Anairis to step down.

Fans ridicule Studiopolis’s statement

While Studiopolis aims to attribute the mishap to a misunderstanding by one of its coordinators, fans are far from satisfied with this explanation. They question why, out of the two roles Wendee Lee was already voicing, it was the character Yoruichi who was denied her voice for the Bleach English dub. The lack of communication and transparency in this process has only fueled the discontent among fans, many of whom claim that Wendee may have only learned about the change when Twitter exploded with outrage.

Had to edit this down, but this Studiopolis/Wendee Lee situation angers me to no end. pic.twitter.com/WYcwD3IEzw

— Michael Edwards (@MEdwardsVA) October 27, 2023

Did Bleach English dub require racial hiring?

The episode has ignited a broader debate about racial hiring in the voice-acting industry. Fans are united in the belief that voice actors should be chosen based on their talent and suitability for a role rather than their racial background. The controversy surrounding the Bleach English dub is a stark example of the potential consequences when casting decisions are not made with the utmost care and attention to detail.

Was Wendee’s meltdown justified?

The controversy surrounding Wendee Lee’s reaction to the Bleach English dub casting issue has sparked a division among fans. While some offer unwavering support, others view her meltdown as excessive and detrimental, particularly to her fellow voice actors who attempted to console her.

In this particular case, Studio Polis’ acknowledgment of the mistake, coupled with the subsequent blame-shifting, has left many fans disheartened. As discussions on racial diversity and equality continue to shape the industry, it remains clear that accountability and transparency will play a pivotal role in maintaining trust and support.

Bleach TYBW dub episodes are streaming on Hulu

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