Although it has been a thing of the past – but ever since the news of a certain top studio executive, once considering Julia Roberts to portray Harriet Tubman in her biopic – has been made public, people can’t help but talk about the attempted ‘white wash’ of history.
It was earlier this month – shortly after the release of the Cynthia Erivo-starrer, Harriet – one of its producers revealed how the role was being thrown in the kitty of actress Julia Roberts, after suggestion from a certain producer.
According to the scoop – the person suggested that the story of Harriet Tubman happened ‘long ago’ and the public wouldn’t remember if it was a person of color or not.
Ummm, really?
Mind you – the story was depicting the tale of one of the most prominent figures of America’s anti-slavery movement.
Shortly after the news went viral – Academy award winning actress, Viola Davis too has a little something to add to it as a reaction.
Speaking to international online magazine, MadameNoire, here’s what Davis was quoted as telling:
“It happens all of the time [in Hollywood]. Here’s the thing, simply put: Julia Roberts as Harriet Tubman is ridiculous. That barely warrants a response. That’s ridiculous. I understand that the film industry very much is about commerce and money, I get it. But that’s ridiculous.”
What are your thoughts?