As Wednesday season two drops on Netflix, fans will find one of the key characters - Xavier, played by Percy Hynes White - missing.
As the first season (way back in November 2022) closed, it seemed like Xavier would take on a big part in the show's second outing. Handing Wednesday her first mobile phone so they could keep in contact over the summer holidays - and as the surviving member of the former 'love triangle-ish' from the show - he seemed sure to return.
But Xavier will not return to the show, after Hynes White was accused of assault by a young woman in January 2023. A user on X claimed he assaulted her at a party and that he had done the same to other women, as well as throwing parties with intent of giving underage women alcohol. The post was later deleted. Other women made more allegations and some social media users called for him to be removed from the show.
In June that year, Hynes White branded the allegations a 'campaign of misinformation'. He said in a statement on Instagram: 'Earlier this year, somebody I’ve never met started a campaign of misinformation about me online. Because of this, my family has been doxxed, and my friends have received death threats. Underage photos of me were used, and examples of me acting in character were presented as hateful. My friend Jane was falsely portrayed as a victim, and her attempts to set the record straight have been ignored. She gave me permission to include her in this message.
'The rumors are false. I can’t accept the portrayal of me as someone bigoted, or criminally negligent of people’s safety. These are the kind of baseless, harmful claims that can create mistrust toward victims. It’s very distressing to know that this misinformation has upset people. I’m really thankful for everyone who’s stood by me and helped share the facts. Harassment of my family, friends and coworkers needs to stop please. Thank you for taking the time to read this.'
In May 2024, Hynes White confirmed he wouldn't appear in season two of Wednesday saying: 'I had so much fun working on this show. I can't wait to watch season 2 :) Much love.'
Ortega spoke about the departure of Xavier in an interview with Vanity Fair. Asked about the issue, she said it was 'a weird redirect, but we’re introducing so many different characters that I think it kind of will get lost,' adding Wednesday’s 'world does feel slightly askew anyway.'
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