First, let's start with what the fans have to say about it. I have found that the opinions are mixed (depending on who you ask). The controversy this year got to its highest point in July when parents got upset over the only Princess Leia Black Series action figure (from Hasbro) available on the market (the only female character depicted in a Black Series action figure so far), which is dressed in the outfit shown above. Fox 29 in Philadelphia ran a segment showing a parent outraged over this. Other people chimed in over social media, some saying "get over it" others supporting the idea that it was inappropriate for kids and toy stores. Carrie Fisher chimed in too. Here are her tweets.
I love the second Tweet. I have always seen Leia as a strong character and a positive role model. She doesn't really need to be rescued. She might need a hand, but she will always take the role of a leader and make the best of it. When Disney took over the license my first thought was "finally Disney has a princess my daughter likes." And this is my memory of her from when I was a kid. Leia was never a victim, she was a leader, bronze bikini or not. With that said, we also have to appreciate the advice Carrie Fisher gave new Star Wars icon Daisy Ridley as reported by Interview Magazine. The interview highlights two interesting (and good) pieces of advice: “You should fight for your outfit,” and “Don’t be a slave like I was,” clearly referencing the "Slave Leia" outfit. Which brings us to the second part of this controversy, the word slave, which I have to say, it is pretty understandably controversial. Trafficking in women is no joke. Fans have reported that the name of the outfit has been changed to Princess Leia as Jabba's Captive. Check out this fan tweet below.
On a personal level, I admire how outspoken Carrie Fisher is about mental illness. Take a look at this article that summarizes a few of her talks and interviews on the subject. But that's not it. Carrie has a funny personality and shows it in her pictures with fans. This has made her a fan favorite at conventions. We were hoping to meet her at some point, and we finally did at Celebration Europe in 2013 (Germany). Our daughter was dressed a Princess Leia (of course) and Carrie immediately asked to hold her and have her on her lap for the picture And we were thrilled that about it. Take a look at the picture below (I edited the ugly, gray background to add a more fun one). Celebration Europe is where I also got the autographed picture featured at the beginning of this post. Although short, it was amazing meeting her. We were hoping to see her again this year at Rhode Island Comic Con, but unfortunately she had to cancel her appearance due to illness. Hopefully we'll see her again in London next year, and, of course, in theaters on December 18th. Follow her on Twitter or visit her website carriefisher.com 
Image is copyright of Signed Star Wars
#CarrieFisher #PrincessLeia #SlaveLeia #Jabbascaptive #StarWars #TheForceAwakens #episodeVII #episode7
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