Thandie Newton Gives Tearful Apology To Darker-Skinned Actresses: I’m Sorry I Was The One Chosen, My Momma Looks Like You

Thandie Newton Gives Tearful Apology To Darker-Skinned Actresses: I’m Sorry I Was The One Chosen, My Momma Looks Like You

Thandie Newton is in tears over the guilt of light-skinned privilege she experiences as a Hollywood actress.

During a recent promotional interview for her newest Sundance film God’s Country, British actress Thandie Newton opened up about receiving prejudice from African American women, and the guilt she faces in underrepresenting them.

Thandie Newton

Thandie Newton, who has starred in hit films such as Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls and alongside Will Smith in The Pursuit of Happiness, says her role in new film God’s Country is relatable to all people who have experienced prejudice, just as she has.

In the interview she stated:

“I realized that my internalized prejudice was stopping me from feeling like I could play this role. When it’s precisely that prejudice that I’ve received, it doesn’t matter that it’s from African American women more than anyone else. I received prejudice. Anyone who’s received oppression and prejudice feels this character.”

Thandiwe Newton plays a woman confronting white hunters in the Sundance film "God's Country." She says she's struggled with a different type of prejudice in the U.S. as a light-skinned Black British actor. pic.twitter.com/mAccJ9rA5s

— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) February 2, 2022

The 49-year old actress goes on to reflect on that prejudice she says comes from Black women, and becomes tearful as she reveals that she wants to apologize to them everyday.

“I’ve wanted so desperately to apologize every day to darker-skinned actresses. To say, ‘I’m sorry that I’m the one chosen.’ My Mama looks like you.”

Thandie Newton & Mother

After becoming overrun with emotions, Thandie expressed how much pain she feels that women who look like her mom doesn’t feel represented by her.

“It’s been very painful to have women who look like my mom feel like I’m not representing them. That I’m taking from them. Taking their men, taking their work, taking their truth.” She states.

Thandie goes on to state that although she does feel guilty over the colorism in Hollywood that opens doors for her, she does believe all actresses who are women of color continue to progress more diversity and inclusion of Black women in the industry.

“I do think that any women of color – whether they’re pale or whatever, who’ve managed to help other actors get into this business, we matter. Whenever they say that Black women have watched the movie, and its really really really mattered to them, I just thank God that my light skin didn’t stop that from happening. I’m so glad that it didn’t cause more pain.” She says

What are your thoughts on Thandie’s apology? Let us know in the comments!