Director Tim Burton is once again accused of racism.

Chances are you’ve already seen it go by, but in case you missed it: Wednesday, the Netflix hit of the moment. The Tim Burton-directed series is a spin-off of The Addams Family and tells the story of daughter Wednesday Addams. Netflix viewers watched Wednesday for 341.2 million hours (!) last week. That’s more than watched Stranger Things season 4. Nevertheless, the series has not been well received by everyone.

Criticism of Wednesday

Director Burton is being showered with criticism on social media for Wednesday’s alleged racist overtones. It allegedly involves the two black characters Bianca Barclay and Lucas Wilson – played by Joy Saunders and Iman Marson. The popular girl Bianca and the wealthy son of the mayor of Pilgrim World Lucas terrorize and bully Wednesday in the series. In addition, some object that the mayor of Pilgrim World – an amusement park that glosses over the violent colonial history of settlers and Native Americans – is also black.

Burton previously accused of racism

This is not the first time Burton has been accused of racism. The director known for his dark style, dark humor and references to cartoons received criticism in 2016 for his Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. The film featured only one black actor: the beloved Samuel L. Jackson. Burton did not help the situation at the time by responding to the criticism with: “I see the representation on the big screen as political correctness.

Jenna Ortega as Wednesday

That the director misses the mark again is obvious. Nevertheless, Wednesday does represent Burton’s first film starring a non-white actor. Jenna Ortega, who plays Wednesday, is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent. About Ortega, critics unanimously agree. Ortega as Wednesday steals the hearts of audiences. She fits the role of Wednesday perfectly and her look completes the role. Curious about the series? You can watch the trailer below.