TO FREEDOM!: British Actress Dragged For Being Cast As Harriet Tubman In Upcoming Movie

Receipts show her criticizing Black Americans in the past.

Cynthia Erivo is being cast as Harriet Tubman in an upcoming film production. While many celebrated the acclaimed artist, other criticized her casting. A popular opinion points to the fact that a British actress was selected over an American one to tell the story of an American icon. Given the weight of the Tubman’s legacy, many feel that someone who can relate more directly to this legacy should have gotten the part instead.

Erivo has responded to the backlash with a statement via Instagram, affirming that her hard work is enough to justify her achievement.

“I guess there is a bigger conversation to be had about heritage and experience, also about who Harriet really was. That can not be had in an Instagram post, what I will say is that my journey to this woman has been long and detailed and one I have not taken lightly […] People speak of foreign privilege and truthfully life would be unbelievably easy if that were applied to me but that is not my portion. I fought for the role of Celie, and spilled blood sweat and tears playing her, the same applies for every role I’ve earned, this will be no different […] I cannot tell how protective I am of this woman and her story.”

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I struggled a little with whether or not to post anything about this role, because even though there is so much celebration and encouragement coming through, there’s also anger and offense spurred on by my being from the UK…..I guess there is a bigger conversation to be had about heritage and experience, also about who Harriet really was. That can not be had in an Instagram post, what I will say is that my journey to this woman has been long and detailed and one I have not taken lightly. Nothing has been given to me without me first putting the work in, people speak of foreign privilege and truthfully life would be unbelievably easy if that were applied to me but that is not my portion. I fought for the role of Celie, and spilled blood sweat and tears playing her, the same applies for every role I’ve earned, this will be no different. I hope that I do everyone, even those who are in doubt or are upset, proud. I hope I quell your fears, because I understand that is what it is. I cannot tell how protective I am of this woman and her story. I posted this because I cannot allow people to make me neglect to celebrate this honor. This story has gone unnoted for long enough and @debramchase Daniela Taplin and @focusfeatures are the perfect home the beautiful way Kasi Lemmons has told this story is more than a blessing. I am glad to be given the opportunity to bring the life of Harriet Tubman to you. I would be lying if I didn’t make it clear that this is scary, and I thank you in advance for the support. Love you much. ALL OF YOU! Yours truly ❤️❤️

A post shared by cynthiaerivo (@cynthiaerivo) on Sep 15, 2018 at 8:15am PDT

What many publications have failed to acknowledge in this matter is the fact that Erivo is known to have criticized Black Americans with condescending comments usually aimed to prop her up as superior in her Britishness.

If the writer had researched more on the "micro", she would've seen that Cynthia often speaks out on disparate opportunity in US vs. UK for Black Brit women actors, & repeatedly uses "we're all perceived as Black the same" to counter criticism & assert entitlement to US opps. pic.twitter.com/zkWXgTAp4t

— Electric Bo Peep (@eBoPeep) September 15, 2018

And if the author had researched further, she'd understand that people are particularly displeased with Cynthia's casting because of this tendency to disregard African-American DACS's unique & specific lineage, culture, ethnicity, experience when convenient… pic.twitter.com/ztwGAME4K8

— Electric Bo Peep (@eBoPeep) September 15, 2018