Fans Reignite Controversy Over Zoe Saldana’s 2016 Blackface Role Following Her First Oscar Nomination for Emilia Perez

Fans Reignite Controversy Over Zoe Saldana’s 2016 Blackface Role Following Her First Oscar Nomination for Emilia Perez

Zoe Saldana’s recent Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress has stirred up past controversies, particularly related to her role in the 2016 biopic Nina, where she portrayed legendary singer Nina Simone.

Although Saldana’s career has flourished, her portrayal of Simone, which included the use of blackface, prosthetics, and dark makeup, has sparked renewed backlash from fans on social media.

Fans Express Disbelief Over Saldana’s 2016 Blackface Role

As Saldana celebrates her first-ever Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Rita Mora Castro in Emilia Perez, fans have revisited her blackface controversy from nearly a decade ago.

The actress, who has Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Haitian roots, faced criticism for darkening her skin to portray the iconic Nina Simone.

On Twitter, many expressed their shock, with some saying they could never forget her decision to take on the role, despite the controversy it stirred back then.

One Twitter user shared a snap of Saldana in character, writing: “It’s insane that she did this and I’ll never forget it!!! sorry.”

Others echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that in 2016, there were many talented dark-skinned actresses who could have taken on the role without resorting to blackface.

The Backlash and Condemnation From Simone’s Estate

Saldana’s casting as Nina Simone was met with harsh criticism when the film was released, and the backlash has resurfaced with the renewed attention.

The estate of Nina Simone publicly condemned the casting decision, urging Saldana to “take Nina’s name out of your mouth for the rest of your life.”

Simone’s daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly, also expressed her disapproval, stating that the portrayal did not honor her mother’s legacy.

These reactions added fuel to the fire of public outrage over Saldana’s decision to play such an important figure in black history in such a controversial manner.

Zoe Saldana Responds to the Criticism

During the release of Nina, Saldana addressed the criticism, calling the experience a “big learning process.”

She expressed an understanding of the discussions surrounding race and identity, acknowledging that it was an important topic for society to address.

In interviews, she also tried to defend her actions, stating, “Being violent, and hateful, and judgmental about another person… will not solve the situation.”

However, her statements at the time were met with mixed reactions, with many feeling that she had not fully grasped the gravity of her role or the offense it caused.

A Personal Reflection on the Role

Years later, Saldana has expressed regret over her decision to play Nina Simone.

In a tearful Instagram live stream in 2020, Saldana admitted, “I should never have played Nina.”

She confessed that, looking back, she should have used her position and influence to push for a darker-skinned actress to play the role.

Saldana explained that she felt that, as a black woman herself, she had permission to portray Simone.

However, upon reflection, she understood that Simone’s life and legacy deserved to be honored in the most authentic way possible.

Saldana’s Apology and the Impact on Her Career

Saldana’s apology has been seen by many as a step toward accountability, although the controversy continues to haunt her.

Her emotional apology was met with mixed responses—while some appreciated her acknowledgment of the mistake, others felt that it was too little, too late.

The fallout from Nina has followed her throughout her career, but Saldana has continued to rise in Hollywood, earning accolades such as her recent Oscar nomination.

However, the incident remains a pivotal moment in her career, shaping public perception and raising important questions about representation, casting choices, and the responsibilities of actors in portraying real-life figures.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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