The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, which premiered last year and quickly rose to #1 on Netflix’s original and overall charts, is facing renewed controversy as several cast members are being called out online ahead of its second season.
On December 10, Netflix released a teaser for Season 2, introducing new characters and sparking excitement among fans. However, attention soon shifted when a post compiling allegations against multiple actors began trending across social platforms.
Daniel Dae Kim Accused of “Supporting Israel”
One part of the post included screenshots alleging that Daniel Dae Kim, who plays Fire Lord Ozai, showed support for Israel through past social media activity.
The images triggered heated discourse, with critics labeling him “Zionist” and questioning his involvement in the series.
Ian Ousley Accused of Misrepresenting Indigenous Identity
Another section resurfaced accusations against Ian Ousley, who portrays Sokka, an Indigenous character. He was previously criticized for allegedly misrepresenting his Indigenous background, as he was found to be from a tribe not recognized by the U.S. government or by federally recognized Native American nations.
This sparked renewed debate about authenticity and representation in casting.
Sebastian Amoruso Criticized Over Alleged Relationship With Co-Star
The final accusation involved Sebastian Amoruso, who plays Jet. Amoruso was alleged to have been romantically involved with actress Miya Chec, who portrays Toph.
The accusations claimed the 25-year-old actor appeared unusually close to Miya Chec when she was 17 and allegedly began dating her once she turned 18 leading some netizens to label the situation as “predatory.”
Online users responded with shock and disappointment toward the rising number of allegations involving the cast. Comments included criticism of casting decisions, questioning production responsibility, and expressing concern over ongoing controversies overshadowing the new season.
As Season 2 promotion ramps up, the resurfaced allegations have added an unexpected layer of controversy to the globally popular series.
Sources: Koreaboo