Friends, literally all of the spoilers ahead. Do not read unless you don’t care about spoilers, or have already watched Season 4!
Since the binge-watchers of the world wrapped up Season 4 of Orange Is the New Black, the internet has been awash with emotions regarding Samira Wiley’s Big Scene.
(RELATED: Orange Is the New Black's Major Plot Twist Exposes the Show's Big Flaw)
Following the murder of Poussey, played by Wiley, by an under-trained guard, many questioned their allegiance to the show. In a moment that harkens back to the deaths of people like Sandra Bland, Mike Brown, and Eric Garner (with Poussey even mouthing, “I can’t breathe” seconds prior to her death), Poussey’s death was extremely emotional for viewers to watch.
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Some loved how Poussey’s death played out, really loving the emotional pull and the talent shown by the actors, while others felt that the murder of a queer woman of color (especially a black, queer woman of color) was nothing short of trauma porn.
In an interview with Variety, the actress opened up about her confusion regarding the anger many fans have expressed as a result of Poussey’s death.
"Honestly, it’s been the most crazy on the Internet. People come out in waves on the Internet. And they would never do or say things like this in real life. But people are pissed. People are either really, really, really upset and mad and angry and threatening to do something violent, or they’re profoundly sad and wrecked," Wiley said.
She continued: “I knew that people were going to have a really big emotional reaction. I mean, it’s a devastating scene, so I think I was anticipating the sadness. But the way that some of these fans are so angry and mad, and just the things that they’re saying, is sort of shocking.”
So there you have it, folks. While we may all have our individual feelings about what Poussey’s murder by a white cop in a big, privatized prison means for the future of the show (and our decisions to continue watching), we’ve got Wiley’s own perspective to consider. After all, she is Poussey.
We couldn't have said it any better ourselves.
