Disney has recast the role of David in the live action remake of Lilo & Stitch after posts showing Kahiau Machado using the N-word surfaced.
Multiple media outlets announced that Machado would play David in mid-April. Fans were frustrated that, like with Nani’s casting, Disney had chosen a Native Hawaiian actor with lighter skin. Fans online also quickly discovered that the actor has previously used the N-word in a Spotify playlist.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Machado was never officially confirmed by Disney. The company has now decided to cast Kaipo Dudoit as David.
Machado posted an apology on Instagram for using the slur, Hawaii News Now reports. He said he has learned a lot from the time he was a teenager.
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.
We are supported through donations and such charitable organizations as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. A big thank you to all our readers who supported our year-end giving campaign. You helped us not only reach our goal, you busted through it. Donations to Asian American Media Inc and AsAmNews are tax-deductible. It’s never too late to give.
Please also follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and X.