Finally, someone involved with Ridley Scott's controversial film Exodus is speaking out about the casting controversy that has many calling for a boycott of the film. Joel Edgerton, who plays Ramses in the biblical epic, says he is "sensitive" to outrage over the fact that all the kings and queens of ancient Egypt are portrayed by white actors, while the Black talent in the film are relegated to playing slaves, thieves and lower-class citizens. However, he claims, he is powerless to do anything about it.

"It's not my job to make those [casting] decisions," Edgerton told Australia's SBS TV at the Melbourne International Film Festival. "I got asked to do a job and it would have been very hard to say no to that job.

"But I do say that I am sensitive to it and I do, I do understand and empathize with that position," Edgerton adds.

The race controversy has sparked an outrage of, well, biblical proportions, with many calling for a boycott of the film (due to be released on December 14) with the hashtag #BoycottExodusMovie. 

So far, neither Scott, the film's director, nor any of the producers have addressed the anger.
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(Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images)