TL;DR: Katie Leung, the actor who played Cho Chang in the Harry Potter films, recently opened up about the intense racist bullying she faced online when she was cast—and how she was told to stay quiet about it. This "Cho Chang Effect" is a perfect entry point to talk to your kids about digital kindness, why representation matters, and how to enjoy a "legacy" franchise like Hogwarts Legacy while still being critical of its flaws.
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If you were a fan of the Harry Potter books back in the day, you remember the excitement when Katie Leung was cast as Cho Chang. But behind the scenes, the then-teenager was discovering "hate sites" dedicated to her. When she went to her publicists for help, she says she was told to deny the racism was happening.
The "Cho Chang Effect" refers to two things:
- The "Lazy" Naming: The name "Cho Chang" itself is often cited as an example of "tokenism"—it’s essentially two surnames from different cultures mashed together, showing a lack of depth in the character's background.
- The Fandom Backlash: The specific type of toxicity that happens when a person of color is cast in a major, traditionally "white" franchise. We’ve seen this repeat with Kelly Marie Tran in Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Halle Bailey in the live-action The Little Mermaid.
We are currently in a "Legacy" era. Between the massive success of the Hogwarts Legacy video game and the upcoming Harry Potter TV series on Max, our kids are engaging with this world more than ever.
But the world of Harry Potter is "complicated" now. Between the author’s public stances and the historical treatment of actors like Katie Leung, many parents are wondering: Can we still love this? And how do I explain the "messy" parts to my kid?
This isn't about "canceling" a childhood favorite. It’s about teaching our kids digital literacy and empathy. It’s about helping them understand that the people on the other side of the screen—whether they are actors, streamers, or the kid in their Roblox lobby—are real people who can be hurt by "digital dogpiling."
Ask our chatbot about how to handle problematic creators
If you want to show your kids media that handles diverse casting and cultural nuances with more care than the early 2000s did, here are some stellar recommendations. These aren't just "good for representation"—they are actually high-quality entertainment that won't make you want to scroll on your phone the whole time.
Ages 10+ This show is a masterclass in modern representation. It blends high-school drama with Chinese mythology in a way that feels organic, not forced. It’s a great "antidote" to the tokenism of the past.
Ages 8-12 If your kid loves the "chosen one" trope of Percy Jackson, they need this series. It’s part of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint and does a phenomenal job of weaving Indian mythology into a modern setting.
Ages 10+ Kamala Khan is arguably the most relatable superhero for the digital generation. The show deals with fan culture, family heritage, and the pressures of being a teenager in a way that feels incredibly authentic.
Ages 14+ (Strong PG-13) For the older teens, this movie (which features Ke Huy Quan, who also faced a long hiatus due to lack of roles for Asian actors) is a wild, beautiful exploration of the immigrant experience and generational trauma. It’s chaotic, funny, and deeply moving.
How you talk about Katie Leung’s experience depends on how old your kids are. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach it:
Elementary School (Ages 7-10)
At this age, focus on the "Golden Rule" of the internet.
- The Hook: "Did you know the actress who played Cho Chang in Harry Potter was bullied online just because of how she looked?"
- The Lesson: Discuss how it’s easy for people to be mean behind a keyboard because they don't see the other person's face.
- Actionable Step: If they play games like Minecraft or Among Us, talk about what to do if they see someone being "ganged up on" in a chat.
Middle School (Ages 11-13)
This is the prime age for Hogwarts Legacy and deep fandom.
- The Hook: Talk about "Representation." Why was it a big deal that Cho Chang was in the books, but why was it also a bit of a "fail" in how she was written?
- The Lesson: Introduce the idea that we can enjoy a game or a movie while still acknowledging that parts of it are outdated or hurtful.
- Actionable Step: Look at the character creator in their favorite games. Does it allow for diverse skin tones and hair textures? Why does that matter?
High School (Ages 14+)
Teens can handle the nuance of the publicity cover-up.
- The Hook: "Katie Leung was told to lie and say the racism wasn't happening to protect the 'brand'."
- The Lesson: Discuss the "business" of entertainment and how corporations often prioritize profit over the well-being of their stars.
- Actionable Step: Discuss the "cancel culture" vs. "accountability" debate. Is it possible to support the artists who worked on Hogwarts Legacy while disagreeing with the creator’s views?
Learn more about navigating 'cancel culture' with teens
Research shows that kids are often more likely to engage in "cyber-aggression" when they feel part of a larger group—the "fandom" mentality. When a community decides they don't like a casting choice (like the racist backlash to the new Percy Jackson show on Disney+), kids can get swept up in the memes and comments without realizing they are contributing to a real person's trauma.
Katie Leung’s story isn't just a "Harry Potter fact"—it’s a cautionary tale about what happens when we value the "story" more than the human beings telling it.
If you're sitting at dinner and want to bring this up without sounding like a "wellness lecture," try this:
"I was reading about Katie Leung—the actress who played Cho Chang—and she said that when she was 16, she found all these racist websites about her. The crazy part is that the movie people told her to pretend it wasn't happening. What do you think you’d do if you were in her shoes? Do you think the internet is any better now, or is it worse for actors?"
This opens the door for them to tell you about the drama they see on TikTok or YouTube without feeling like they're in trouble.
We don't have to throw away our wands, but we do have to be "Screenwise" about the magic. Katie Leung’s experience reminds us that our digital choices—what we post, what we like, and what we ignore—have real-world consequences.
Teaching our kids to be the person who stands up for the "Cho Changs" of the world is a lot more important than knowing every spell in the book.
Next Steps:
- Check your settings: If your kid is on social media, ensure they know how to block and report hate speech. Check out our guide on Instagram safety.
- Diversify the queue: For every "legacy" show you watch, try to mix in something with modern, thoughtful representation like Ms. Marvel.
- Stay Curious: When your kid mentions a "weird" meme or a "controversial" casting, ask why people are upset before forming an opinion.
Ask our chatbot for a personalized list of diverse books for your child's age