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.
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