Zendaya is one of the most popular actresses in the world. She has a biracial look, that allows her to try out for roles specified for Black actresses as well as White actresses.
Media Take Out learned that Zendaya recently landed a role which was designed for a “Black actress.” And we spoke with three prominent Black actresses – whom you all know – that are upset that Zendaya is using her “biracial privilege” to steal roles designed for Black actresses.
And in the past, Media Take Out reported that Zendaya has spoken out about the “privilege” that she receives over darker skinned Black actresses.
The 25-year-old actress once called herself Hollywood’s “acceptable version of a black girl”.
Speaking at the Beautycon Festival in 2018, she said colorism within the beauty and entertainment industries needs to end.
“As a light-skinned black woman it’s important that I’m using my privilege, my platform, to show you how much beauty there is in the African-American community,” she said.
She also claimed in a Hollywood Reporter roundtable discussion last year that, “I also think it’s important to recognize my privilege in that sense as well and make sure that I’m not taking up space where I don’t need to”
Well Media Take Out learned that Zendaya is using her privilege alright – to take an acting role that was cast for a “Black actress.”
We obtained the script for her upcoming film ‘Challengers’, and if you look at the character descriptions on the second page. She’s playing Tashi – who their writers describe as a “Black woman.”
Challengers is an upcoming romantic sports comedy film directed by Luca Guadagnino from a screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes. It stars Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist.
As mentioned above, Media Take Out spoke with three prominent Black actresses – who all asked to remain anonymous – that were upset with Zendaya’s role.
One actress, who has been in multiple Hollywood films told us, “It’s typical. The writer wants a Black actress, but the producers chose a ‘Black-ish’ one.”
Another actress, who worked on a top TV show in the 2000s told Media Take Out, “She talks about how she gets preferential treatment, then goes to the audition and uses it to her advantage.”
The third actress, who has been in Hollywood for over 30 years told Media Take Out, “Nothing changes in this town. They want don’t want cast fully Black women in major films.”
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