The Absolutely Fabulus film has come under fire for allegedly using “yellowface” and casting a white actor to play the role of a Japanese person.
The character in question, Huki Muki, is a Japanese fashion designed portrayed by Janette Tough.
She was recently spotted filming with Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders.
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The news you care about, reported on by the people who care about you.Korean-Amerian comic Margaret Cho ranted on Twitter about the casting of the character:
Margaret Cho, Korean-American comedian, tweeted her disgust at the film’s casting of the character.
“Have some respect. Hire Asian actors 4 Asian roles. I’m not going to name the production but I’m DISGUSTED!
“#YELLOWFACE is racism. Sorry. It’s unacceptable. Not now. I was thrilled about #abfabmovie but now I just can’t be. I’m very disappointed.”
“It’s hard enough to get into film and TV as a person of color – and when roles written for us are played by white actors – it’s an outrage.”
Of course, having not seen the film, it’s entirely likely — if not a forgone conclusion — that Huki Muki’s actual race will be a big reveal or plot twist, and the character herself will be called out for being a fraud and phony.
We’ll find out when the film hits theaters on July 1.
