Shonda Rhimes had some things to say regarding an article that surfaced on the Internets last night (Mar. 24) written on Deadline titled: “Pilots 2015: The Year Of Ethnic Castings—About Time Or Too Much Of Good Thing?”
Rhimes took to Twitter today (Mar. 25) to share her sentiments on the controversial piece, and this is what she had to say:
1st Reaction:: HELL NO. Lemme take off my earrings, somebody hold my purse! 2nd Reaction: Article is so ignorant I can’t even be bothered.
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) March 25, 2015
The story alluded to the the rise of network shows like Fox’s Empire, ABC’S Fresh off the Boat and Rhime’s latest hit How to Get Away With Murder – featuring mostly actors of color – and how it allegedly poses a threat for white actors to score roles.
“Instead of opening the field for actors of any race to compete for any role in a color-blind manner, there has been a significant number of parts designated as ethnic this year, making them off-limits for Caucasian actors, some agents signal,” wrote Deadline’s Nellie Andreeva.”Ethnic castings exploded this season… But, as is the case with any sea change, the pendulum might have swung a bit too far in the opposite direction.”
SEE ALSO: Does ‘Empire’ Stereotype Black People? Bow Wow Thinks So
“Many pilot characters this year were listed as open to all ethnicities, but when reps would call to inquire about an actor submission, they frequently have been told that only non-Caucasian actors would be considered,” she continued.
However, the 45 year-old hit TV show producer’s Twitter reply was not over. She later went onto to re-tweet a bunch disgruntled tweets from media experts regarding the infamous story:
Horrible Deadline article, you’ve left me no choice. I must go FULL FACEPALM, from ALL of Star Trek! Happy now??! pic.twitter.com/HC3FEY5CTW
— Mo Ryan (@moryan) March 25, 2015
Just astounding that something so tone deaf could be published in 2015 by a supposedly credible news source. http://t.co/373NhjyUz9
— Dave Itzkoff (@ditzkoff) March 25, 2015
So hard out there for white actors these days! I’m sobbing! http://t.co/hf1yyf7Sk2 pic.twitter.com/N977dX5sZq
— Kate Aurthur (@KateAurthur) March 25, 2015
Is the influx of actors of color really a threat to white actors? Sound off. – Richy Rosario