Living in your truth sometimes comes with negativity that not everyone is prepared for. Actress Letitia Wright opened up about the hate she’s receiving due to rumors about her sexual orientation and relationship status. 

“People said I deserve to die,” Wright, 32, recalled during a guest appearance on Paloma Faith’s Mad, Sad, Bad podcast. 

When the host asked whether things really had gotten that bad, Wright confirmed, “Yeah. It’s that bad.”

Consequently, the Black Panther actress revealed that she’s become increasingly protective of her privacy. The judgment from online users weighs heavily on the actress, who said she avoids reading messages.  

 “If someone was to sit and have a conversation with me and just listen to me, I bet you half of the comments that they’re saying about me would be different,” Wright said.

Wright recently popped out with a woman named Angel-Vicki, fueling rumors that they’re in a relationship. Even married. They were photographed together at a press night for Wright’s play The Story at London’s National Theatre in early September.

Angel-Vicki seemingly confirmed the two are an item after sharing photos of the night, adding “Happy Press Night! I’m beyond proud of you.” She also shared subsequent photos of the two in matching pajamas and referred to the actress as  “mi amor.” Additionally, Angel-Vicki had “Married” in her bio, although she deactivated her account shortly after sharing the posts. 

Wright didn’t directly address her sexuality or marital status during the podcast visit. But she did make it clear that the public isn’t entitled to unlimited access to her personal life. 

 “Just because I have a public talent doesn’t mean that the other parts of my life is a free-for-all,” Wright said.

The Guyanese-British actress rose to fame Stateside in 2018 when she played Shuri in Black Panther. However, her acting career began years prior—she had roles in Top Boy, and Black Mirror. 

The actress has also opened up about dealing with conflicting feelings around her Christian faith and personal experiences. 

“I feel like you’re not allowed to be complex,” she explained. “So you have to be either one way or the other.” The actress is working through these feelings with a therapist, but has come to the conclusion that she’s allowed to be nuanced.

“I’m allowed to be complex and different and whole and still be worthy of love,” she said, adding that she’s learning to love herself. 

Author: Elizabeth Ayoola

Read the original article on Essence.