‘Romeo & Juliet’ Actress Francesca Amewudah-Rivers Receives Letter Of Support From Over 800 Actors Condemning Racism After She Faced Racial Backlash Over Her Casting Online

Francesca Amewudah-Rivers

‘Romeo & Juliet’ Actress Francesca Amewudah-Rivers Receives Letter Of Support From Over 800 Actors Condemning Racism After She Faced Racial Backlash Over Her Casting Online

Actress Francesca Amewudah-Rivers is not facing racist internet trolls alone.

The theatre entertainer was backed by more than 800 of her Black colleagues recently after she faced immense racially charged criticism for being cast in the lead role of an upcoming play adaptation of “Romeo & Juliet”, alongside Spiderman star Tom Holland.

In a letter condemning racism, the group of 800 actors, writers, and industry professionals highlighted the great burden Black entertainers face being judged not by their talent but by their race, even in today’s age. The message read:

“When news of Francesca Amewudah-Rivers’ casting in Jamie Lloyd’s production of Romeo and Juliet was announced so many people celebrated and welcomed this news. Many of us took to social media to shower our baby sis with love and congratulations – a huge deal for someone so young in their career. A huge rising talent.”

It continued:

“But then what followed was a too familiar horror that many of us visible Black dark skinned performers have experienced. The racist and misogynistic abuse directed at such a sweet soul has been too much to bear. For a casting announcement of a play to ignite such twisted ugly abuse is truly embarrassing for those so empty and barren in their own lives that they must meddle in hateful abuse.”

The letter went on to offer words of encouragement to Rivers and other Black artists who continue to face discrimination directly, and also addressed the theater company and its responsibility to make sure its leading lady is properly supported throughout the production. It added:

“Too many times theatre companies, broadcasters, producers and streamers have failed to offer any help or support when their Black artists face racist or misogynistic abuse. Reporting is too often left on the shoulders of the abused, who are also then expected to promote said show.”

Francesca Amewudah-Rivers

And continued:

“We want to send a clear message to Francesca and all Black women performers who face this kind of abuse – we see you. We see the art you manage to produce with not only the pressures that your white colleagues face but with the added traumatic hurdle of misogynoir. We are so excited to watch you shine.”

The head of the theater company putting on the forthcoming play was the first to recognize and publicly condemn the racist backlash following Rivers‘ casting announcement. As we recently covered, her leading co-star Tom Holland has come under fire for not publicly addressing the situation himself.

At this time, Holland has not addressed the matter publicly. Rivers herself has also not responded to the criticism either.

[VIA]

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