By Terrio Jenkins
I wasn’t going to comment on this situation at first. If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’m cautious about reposting personal tragedies or anything that feels like exploitation — whether it involves AI, religion, or deeply private matters.
But after seeing other creators speak up, and after reading the reports surrounding the passing of Ashley — better known as Squidkid1111 — I realized I had to say something.
(Source: “Cosplay Star Squidkid1111 Tragically Passes at 19 Fans Blame Racist Online Harassment,” Where Is The Buzz/Yahoo, Nov 21, 2025.)
I didn’t know Ashley personally, and I didn’t follow them, but I understand their struggle. Many of us do.
🔥 The Truth: Black Cosplayers Are Still Targeted
According to the article and community statements, Ash faced relentless racist harassment, especially when cosplaying characters typically portrayed as “light-skinned” or “non-Black.”
(Source: A Dose of Anime statement referenced in article.)
And honestly? We’re tired.
Whenever Black cosplayers show love to their favorite characters, someone always jumps in to say they’re “not canonically accurate.”
To that I say: WHO CARES?
Why do some of you — and yes, you know who you are — feel the need to gatekeep cosplay based on race? You never see white cosplayers attacked this way, even when most anime characters are Asian.
Even if you think a cosplay isn’t accurate, why comment? Why tear someone down for enjoying art?
If you don’t like it, keep scrolling.
🛑 Online Harassment Has Real Consequences
Like many creators, I’ve had to block certain words and filter comments across platforms. We know exactly what people try to get away with.
It breaks my heart that Ash felt this was the only solution — because it wasn’t.
Community claims say that racism and colorism worsened their depression, making this tragedy even harder to accept.
(Source: Where Is The Buzz/Yahoo report.)
What’s worse is seeing people claim,
“It’s not our fault,” or “How do we know?”
We know because this happens to Black cosplayers every single day.
✊🏾 A Message to Black Cosplayers
If you’re a Black cosplayer:
Keep doing your thing.
I know it’s hard, but block the racists, trolls, and fake fans who try to police your creativity. Cosplay is supposed to be fun — not a battleground.
Why can’t we all just be fans?
Why can’t people enjoy what they love without judgment?
That’s all I have to say.
I hope we all do better.
— Terrio