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Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson abandoned a role in which she was going to play a transgender man after a backlash from the LGBT community.
The actor came out of the drama Rub and Tug A little over a week after his cast triggered a reaction among trans groups and activists.
"In light of the recent ethical issues raised by my casting under the name of Dante Tex Gill, I decided to respectfully withdraw my participation in the project. Our cultural understanding of transgender people continues to advance, and I have learned a lot from the community since I made my first statement about my casting and that I realized that She was insensitive. I have a lot of admiration and love for the transgender community and I am grateful that the conversation about inclusivity in Hollywood will continue. According to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), LGBTQ + characters dropped by 40% in 2017 compared to the previous year, with no representation of trans characters in major studios. " said Johansson to Out Magazine in a statement.
Rub and Tug focused on Dante Tex Gill, a criminal who used his massage parlor as a front for prostitution in the 70s and 80s. lived his life as a trans man, which led many people on social media to wonder why an actor was not engaged for the role.
"Oh word ?? So you can continue to play us but we can not play it? Trace Lysette, a transgender actress known to have appeared on Amazon Transparent wrote on Twitter after the casting announcement.
"Actors who are trans can never audition for anything other than these trans characters," tweeted Jamie Clayton, another transgender actress known for her role on Sense8 .
"Although I would have liked to have had the opportunity to bring to life the story and the transition of Dante, I understand why many think that it should be interpreted by a transgender person, and I'm grateful that this debate, though controversial, has sparked conversation about diversity and representation in the film.I believe that all artists should be considered equally and equitably.Our production company, These Pictures, is actively pursuing projects that both entertain and push the boundaries, and we look forward to working with each community to bring the most poignant and important stories to audiences around the world, "said Johanssson.
GLAAD members responded to the news with a statement, celebrating the decision and those who voted against the casting.
"The announcement of Scarlett Johansson, with the transgender voices that spoke of this film, are game changers for the future of transgender images in Hollywood." Hollywood has changed the way Americans understand gay and lesbian lives, and television begins to do the same for transgender people with authentic transgender performances that are major hits with critics and audiences alike. The film industry has a real opportunity to do the same, "said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.
New Regency won an auction for Rub and Tug ] July 2, and it was intended to be led by Rupert Sanders, who previously worked with Johansson on "Ghost in the Shell"
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