Ruby Rose exits Twitter amid Batwoman casting backlash

Actress Ruby Rose has deleted her Twitter profile amid a backlash over her casting as Batwoman in a TV series.

The Australian, who describes herself as "gender fluid", confirmed last week she would play the first openly lesbian superhero lead.

Many celebrated the casting, but others suggested she was not right, saying a lesbian should play the character.

Before deleting her account, Rose dismissed the criticism as the "most ridiculous thing".

"Where on earth did 'Ruby is not a lesbian therefore she can't be Batwoman' come from," she wrote.

"I came out at 12? And have for the past 5 years had to deal with 'she's too gay'."

She also wrote: "When women and when minorities join forces we are unstoppable... When we tear each other down, it's much more hurtful than from any group. But hey, love a challenge."

Rose said that she would be taking a Twitter break so she could focus on her work. She also tightened her Instagram comment settings.

'Childhood dream'
Some on Twitter pointed out that the series' production company, The CW Network, had promised that a lesbian actress would be picked to play the character (who as well as being a lesbian is also Jewish) to improve lesbian representation on screen.

Others disagreed with that view.

Last week, Rose wrote on Instagram that being cast as Batwoman was a "childhood dream".

The series will see Rose play Batwoman and alter ego Kate Kane, and is expected to air in late 2019/early 2020.

Kate Kane has been openly gay since 2006, in an effort by DC Comics to make its publications more diverse.

Rose will make her debut as Batwoman in a crossover episode involving other characters from the DC Comics universe.