Scarlett Johansson: Casting Comments Were “Edited for Click Bait”
Scarlett Johansson has issued a statement after making headlines yesterday (July 13) about comments she made in an interview withĀ As IfĀ magazine on politically correct casting.
In a statement toĀ Variety, Johansson said that following:
“An interview that was recently published has been edited for click bait and is widely taken out of context. The question I was answering in my conversation with the contemporary artist, David Salle, was about the confrontation between political correctness and art.
I personally feel that, in an ideal world, any actor should be able to play anybody and Art, in all forms, should be immune to political correctness. That is the point I was making, albeit didnāt come across that way.
I recognize that in reality, there is a widespread discrepancy amongst my industry that favors Caucasian, cis-gendered actors and that not every actor has been given the same opportunities that I have been privileged to. I continue to support, and always have, diversity in every industry and will continue to fight for projects where everyone is included.”
Johansson’s originally quoted comments toĀ As IfĀ magazineĀ (transcribed by Daily Mail) were as follows:
“You know, as an actor I should be allowed to play any person, or any tree, or any animal because that is my job and the requirements of my job,’ she said point blank.
She continued: “I feel like itās a trend in my business and it needs to happen for various social reasons, yet there are times it does get uncomfortable when it affects the art because I feel art should be free of restrictions.”Ā
“IĀ think society would be more connected if we just allowed others to have their own feelings and not expect everyone to feel the way we do.”
Johansson faced controversy when she was cast in 2017’s Ghost in the Shell, a film based on a Japanese Manga. She was also cast in the since-canceled filmĀ Rub & TugĀ as a trans man, but pulled out of the role due to public criticism.
