Thandie Newton blasted for apology to ‘darker-skinned’ actresses [video]

Thandie Newton apologised to ''darker-skinned' actresses for landing big roles in Hollywood.

By / / News / 2 minutes of reading

British actress Thandie Newton rubbed fans the wrong way when a snippet of her apology to ‘darker-skinned’ actresses surfaced on social media.

Thandie Newton breaks down during interview

Speaking to Sky News about her role in the upcoming film God’s Country, Newton got emotional when she revealed that initially, she had doubts about portraying the lead character since, in her view, she was not ‘dark-skinned’ enough.

God’s Country, a drama-thriller directed and written by Julian Higgins, explores the life-changing encounter a grieving professor has with two hunters trespassing on her property.

Newton leads the star-studded cast as Sandra, the professor, and reflecting on the role in the interview, emotions overcame the 49-year-old when she revisited the mental anguish she endured as a perceived benefactor of colourism in Hollywood.

“My internalised prejudice was stopping me from feeling like I could play this role when it’s precisely that prejudice that I’ve received. Doesn’t matter that it’s from African-American women more than anyone else, doesn’t matter. I received prejudice. Anyone who’s received oppression and prejudice feels this character,” she said.

Barely able to contain her emotions, Newton broke down in tears, vehemently stressing that the natural condition of her skin pigment does not necessarily represent the stereotypes put onto her.

“It’s been very painful to have women look like my mom feel like I’m not representing them. That I’m taking from them. Taking their men, taking their work, taking their truth. I didn’t mean to,” she cried.

Here is the video clip that’s since gone viral and some of the backlash that followed: