By PopZette Staff | March 7, 2019
The recent casting of Will Smith as Richard Williams (pictured above right), the real-life father of tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams, has inspired some heated reactions.
The film — titled “King Richard” — has been accused of “colorism” by multiple public figures on social media.
If you’re wondering what “colorism” is — it’s prejudice based on skin tone. The theory is that African-Americans with lighter skin tones are treated more favorably than African-Americans with darker complexions.
And some people are claiming Smith is far too light-skinned to be playing Williams.
“Colorism matters … Love will Smith but there are other black actors for this role,” tweeted sports writer Clarence Hill Jr. in reaction to Smith’s casting in “King Richard.”
Colorism matters..love will Smith but there are other black actors for this role https://t.co/qrV1QuBiJH
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) March 5, 2019
“Colorism at work …” tweeted movie critic Valerie Complex.
colorism at work…. https://t.co/YsxlKjDVoh
— valerie complex @ sxsw (@ValerieComplex) March 4, 2019
“Just like Chadwick shouldn’t have played Thurgood Marshall, Will should not play Richard,” added journalist George M. Johnson.
“Skin color matters in how folk were treated and navigated spaces. Is Alexandra Shipp playing Venus?”
Just like Chadwick shouldn’t have played Thurgood Marshall, Will should not play Richard
Skin color matters in how folk were treated and navigated spaces. Is Alexandra Shipp playing Venus? https://t.co/iNtikcsIoT
— George M Johnson (@IamGMJohnson) March 4, 2019
Check out other unfavorable reactions below:
Was Don Cheadle busy? Was Michael K. Williams unreachable??? Jesus Christ, y’all won’t let colorism go ? https://t.co/daiDVsPtZm
— Clarkisha Kent: This One Lady (@IWriteAllDay_) March 5, 2019
Siri, show me a perfect example of colorism. https://t.co/clB0SdX7Dr
— Scott Beggs (@scottmbeggs) March 5, 2019
I like Will Smith but him as Richard Williams is not ok. It's just not appropriate and there are other actors that are dark skinned and have name recognition that can do this work.Anyone that doesn't get that its colorism is delusional
— Kathia Woods (@kathia_woods) March 5, 2019
Smith’s “King Richard” casting is not the only acting work of his that’s inspiring controversy.
He was also the center of many social media jokes when the trailer to the live-action “Aladdin” remake debuted.
Smith’s Genie character — played by the late Robin Williams in the animated film — left many perplexed and scratching their heads at both his performance and the questionable CGI effects.
Check out this video:
This piece originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission.
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