Space Jam 2 Actor Mocks Cancel Culture By Defending Speedy Gonzales Amid Racial Stereotyping Claims

Space Jam 2 actor Gabriel Iglesias has hit out at cancel culture and staunchly defended Looney Tunes character Speedy Gonzales amid racial stereotyping claims.

Pepe Le Pew has already been axed from the LeBron James-starring film over a controversial scene featuring Jane the Virgin actor Greice Santo.

The New York Times columnist Charles M Blow claimed that the cartoon French skunk "added to rape culture."

And the 50-year-old American also made a bold claim that Speedy's friends "helped popularize the corrosive stereotype of the drunk and lethargic Mexicans."

However, it would seem that Speedy will still make an appearance in Space Jam: A New Legacy.

That's according to Iglesias, who will voice 'The Fastest Mouse in all Mexico' during the Tune Squad's reunion in the upcoming sequel.

The 44-year-old American comedian, who is of Mexican heritage, insisted that cancel culture "can't catch me."

Iglesias, AKA 'Fluffy,' tweeted: "I am the voice of Speedy Gonzales in the new Space Jam.

"Does this mean they are gonna try to cancel Fluffy too? U [sic] can't catch me cancel culture. I'm the fastest mouse in all of Mexico."

Space Jam 2 has also been hit with early backlash over the redesign of fan-favourite Looney Tunes character Lola Bunny.

A New Legacy director Malcolm Lee defended the cartoon bunny's physique as he said it is 2021 and it was "important to reflect the authenticity of strong, capable female characters."

Golf star Paige Spiranac recently hit out at Lee over the change to Lola's physical appearance, saying what the "director decided to do was take away all of her femininity."

Lola, Bugs Bunny and Los Angeles Lakers superstar James all featured in the first batch of images for Space Jam 2 earlier this month.

James will team up with the iconic Tune Squad as they prepare for a basketball showdown with the formidable Goon Squad.

Space Jam 2 will be coming to US cinemas and HBO Max on 16th July.

Featured Image Credit: PA/YouTube/Entertainment Weekly

Topics: Basketball, Space Jam: A New Legacy

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

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