Halle Berry has decided to step away from a transgender role following criticism and controversy on social media.
Berry had initially expressed her excitement about an project where she would portray a transs-xu@l woman, even though she hadn't officially secured the role.
Speaking about the character, Berry explained that it was a woman who had transitioned into a man, expressing her keen interest in delving into this unique story.
However, her remarks drew strong backlash on social media, primarily for her perceived lack of sensitivity towards the character's gender and calls for such roles to be authentically represented by transgender actors.
Over the weekend, Halle Berry reconsidered her decision, issuing a public apology and an official statement stating that she would no longer be pursuing the trans role. Recognizing her status as a cisgender woman, Berry acknowledged that the transgender community deserves the chance to tell their own stories, admitting she should not have considered the character.
In her statement, Berry expressed gratitude for the feedback and critical discussions, committing to being an ally for better representation on screen, both in front of and behind the camera. Her original comments caught the attention of the official Twitter account for the Netflix documentary "Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen," which urged Berry to watch the documentary to understand the cultural consequences of cis actors portraying trans characters.
Following Berry's apology, the "Disclosure" account thanked her for listening and learning. GLAAD, the prominent U.S. LGBTQ rights organization, also expressed satisfaction with Berry's response, emphasizing the importance of powerful individuals acknowledging and learning from the concerns of trans people.
The organization suggested that others in positions of influence should follow suit, recommending the viewing of "Disclosure" as a starting point to comprehend the representation of trans individuals in the media. The ongoing debate underscores the need for increased opportunities for transgender artists in Hollywood. Berry's situation echoes a similar controversy involving Scarlett Johansson in 2018, who withdrew from a film role as a trans character amid criticism and calls for more inclusivity in casting decisions.
