Twitter Doesn't Think Cynthia Erivo Is Fit To Play Harriet Tubman For This Shocking Reason
There has been somewhat of a diaspora tug-of-war engulfing Twitter after Nigerian-identifying user Luvvie Ajayi was dragged for taking unwarranted shots at Tevin Campbell.
Now, it appears as that narrative is continued as her close friend, Tony-winning actress Cynthia Erivo, was announced to play African-American history icon Harriet Tubman on the big screen, and Twitter isn't here for the casting choice for one significant reason.
It has been recently reported that Erivo shared the same sentiments to Luvvie, who came under fire after some old tweets of hers resurfaced showcasing her apparent disdain towards African-Americans.
Among her critiques of Black Americans included her poking fun at Kwanzaa, claiming she is an "elitist African," and basically dubbing HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) as useless and garbage.
Erivo's involvement came into play when she publicly declared her support for Luvvie by posting a link to the author's blog which saw her seek to justify her Blackness. This was the first straw that many saw where the Broadway star seemed to share vitriol for Black Americans.
Some took it a bit further by posting legit receipts of Erivo retweeting posts about Black Americans being jealous of Africans who live in the United States, and their findings were pretty shocking.
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Erivo, who is well aware of the pushback she's received since accepting the role and is privy to the opinions of those who are aware of her comments, defended her decision to accept the part in her Instagram stories.
"Actors are free to go where they please for their work, but I dare you to do that fully as a Black woman in the U.K. If I see it, I applaud it," she said. "What was for someone else was never mine in the first place. Please believe that I have turned down roles I know I have no business playing. This role is not one of them..."
In the same breath, she expounded on her point — while, frankly, ignoring the topic at hand — by saying, "If you met me in the street and hadn't heard me speak, would you know I was British, or would you simply see a Black woman?"
What's your take on this? Is Black Twitter justified in their feelings towards Erivo and her choices or should everyone just relax?
