The author of the Percy Jackson series has taken to social media after racist backlash against the casting of Leah Jeffries as one of the leads in the upcoming Disney+ adaptation of the popular book series.

One of the most beloved children’s book series of the past twenty years, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is finally getting the treatment it deserves after two poorly received film adaptations. Disney announced this January that a full season was ordered for the streamer, and last week author Rick Riordan and the company made a major casting announcement for the series, which led to a disappointing reaction from some fans to say the least.

NEW YORK – MAY 03: Author Rick Riordan speaks at the launch party of Rick Riordan’s The Kane Chronicles, Book 1: The Red Pyramid at Brooklyn Museum on May 3, 2010 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Disney)

Disney recently announced that Jeffries was cast as Annabeth Chase in the series, starring opposite Walker Scobell and Aryan Simhadri as Percy and Grover respectively. While she received a lot of love from most of the fanbase, some fans took to social media to complain that a Black actress was playing a role written as white in the books. Riordan, author of the series, is having none of this, calling out the backlash for what it is: racism.

In a statement posted on his website, Riordan wrote, “This post is specifically for those who have a problem with the casting of Leah Jeffries as Annabeth Chase. It’s a shame such posts need to be written, but they do…Leah brings so much energy and enthusiasm to this role, so much of Annabeth’s strength. She will be a role model for new generations of girls who will see in her the kind of hero they want to be.”

“If you have a problem with this casting, however, take it up with me,” he continued. “You have no one else to blame. Whatever else you take from this post, we should be able to agree that bullying and harassing a child online is inexcusably wrong. As strong as Leah is, as much as we have discussed the potential for this kind of reaction and the intense pressure this role will bring, the negative comments she has received online are out of line. They need to stop. Now.”

GLENDALE, CA – JULY 31: (L-R) Actors Leven Rambin, Douglas Smith, Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario and Brandon T. Jackson arrive at the premiere of ‘Percy Jackson: Sea Of Monsters’ at The Americana at Brand on July 31, 2013 in Glendale, California. (Photo by Angela Weiss/Getty Images)

He then got right to the meat of the issue, saying, “Some of you have apparently felt offended or exasperated when your objections are called out online as racist. ‘But I am not racist,’ you say. ‘It is not racist to want an actor who is accurate to the book’s description of the character.’ Let’s examine that statement. You are upset/disappointed/frustrated/angry because a Black actor has been cast to play a character who was described as white in the books…You are judging her appropriateness for this role solely and exclusively on how she looks. She is a Black girl playing someone who was described in the books as white. Friends, that is racism.”

He goes on to call Jeffries and the other actors, “perfect,” for their roles and that should fans give her a chance, she “will become exactly the way you imagine Annabeth.”

Percy Jackson certainly won’t be the actress’ first foray into acting, having previously appeared in Empire, Rel and more. “She is a brilliant actor who can break our hearts, make us laugh, and have us cheering for her all in the same scene,” Riordan wrote when Jeffries was first announced as Annabeth.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians is set to start filming soon in Vancouver.

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