Gabrielle Union Says She Was Turned Down For A Project Because Another Actress Was ‘Just Prettier’ Than Her, Fans Speculate Role Went To Kerry Washington

Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington

Gabrielle Union Says She Was Turned Down For A Project Because Another Actress Was ‘Just Prettier’ Than Her, Fans Speculate Role Went To Kerry Washington

Gabrielle Union says she lost out on a “big job” to a fellow actress due to her appearance.

In honor of Gabrielle Union’s birthday, Netflix reposted an interview of the 51-year-old where she revealed that she was once turned down for a role because the actress she was up against was “prettier” than her.

Gabrielle Union

Although she didn’t mention the name of the project or the name of the competing actress, many fans began to speculate Gabrielle Union was referring to Kerry Washington’s lead role in the ABC series “Scandal.”

In the interview, Gabrielle said,

“Years ago, I was up for a big job. And after numerous callbacks, and studio tests, it was down to just the two of us.”

The award-winning actress recalled,

“I was told I didn’t get the part because ‘she’s just prettier than you.’ For someone who had low self-esteem, it just felt like there was no place for me, for my kind of Blackness. It pretty much killed that confident pep in my step, and I was equating my looks to my ability to do the job.”

Gabrielle continued,

“I recognize that if I had gotten that job and I was around people like that, my soul would be worn down. I only want to be in spaces where I’m wanted.”

The “Bring It On” star added,

“[And] If that production doesn’t see your complete value, then that’s not the production for you. But I promise you there is something to be said about an exuberant that is followed up with that production absolutely knowing your value or that job knowing your value, and that feels amazing.” 

 

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According to reports, Gabrielle also shared in a previous interview that she was “one of the last five or ten to audition” for “Scandal.” Actress Kerry Washington, 46, was ultimately given the starring role as fixer Olivia Pope in the political thriller, which aired from 2012-2018.

After watching the resurfaced clip, fans hopped to the comment section of the interview with speculation that Gabrielle was alluding to the hit drama series “Scandal.”

See reactions below:

What are your thoughts on Kerry Washington allegedly landing the role in “Scandal” instead of Gabrielle Union? Leave a comment below!

[Sources: 1, 2]