Candice Patton 'wanted to leave' The Flash in season 2 because of 'racist, misogynistic' fans

When Candice Patton debuted as Iris West on The Flash in 2014, her groundbreaking casting pushed representation in comic book adaptations forward in massive ways

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But while the actor made history onscreen, her experience offscreen dealing with backlash from toxic and racist "fans" online made her want to leave series after only two seasons

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In a new interview with The Open Up Podcast, Patton detailed the extent of the "abuse and harassment" she received for playing Iris.

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Patton said she felt a responsibility to create "spaces for women of color" in the superhero genre but her own well-being suffered as a result.

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Patton claims that The CW and Warner Bros. TV, the network and studio behind The Flash, didn't properly protect her from the casting backlash

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Ultimately Patton decided to stay on The Flash currently airing its eighth season because she felt a responsibility to the fans who she represented and to portray inclusive role

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