The gold bikini from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi is one of the most iconic costumes in cinema history. But over the years, it has also sparked debates and controversies, particularly among parents who found the outfit problematic for younger audiences.
In 2015, a Philadelphia father named Fred Hill reignited the debate about Princess Leia’s gold bikini when he criticized a Star Wars action figure depicting Leia in her iconic outfit.
Hill expressed his disapproval, stating, “I got two daughters I don’t need seeing that crap.” He elaborated on his concerns, adding, “They’re like, ‘Dad, why does this doll have a chain around its neck?’ I don’t have any answers. I was just blown away looking at it.”
Other parents echoed his concerns about the appropriateness of the toy for children.
Tiffany Mahan shared her perspective, saying, “It’s just a bit much for a child. So, no, I probably wouldn’t give this to my 4-year-old and maybe not an 8-year-old.” Similarly, Allison Degarmo commented, “It’s true to the scene, but I don’t know if I would purchase this for my girls.”
Carrie Fisher, known for her sharp wit and unapologetic personality, wasn’t having it. When asked about the controversy during an interview with The Wall Street Journal, she dismissed the criticism outright and delivered a perfect explanation for parents who might struggle to explain the costume to their kids.
Here’s the exchange
WSJ: There’s been some debate recently about whether there should be no more merchandise with you in the Return of the Jedi bikini.
Fisher: I think that’s stupid.
WSJ: To stop making the merchandise?
Fisher: The father who flipped out about it, “What am I going to tell my kid about why she’s in that outfit?” Tell them that a giant slug captured me and forced me to wear that stupid outfit, and then I killed him because I didn’t like it. And then I took it off. Backstage.
Fisher’s response was not only humorous but also perfectly reframed the context of the costume within the story.
Leia wasn’t just an object in the gold bikini; she was a prisoner who took control of her situation, using the very chains of her captivity to strangle Jabba the Hutt.
Fisher’s take emphasized Leia’s strength and agency, turning what some saw as a problematic costume into a symbol of defiance and empowerment.