After videos surfaced of actor Kian Lawley making racist remarks, Lawley has been fired from the big screen adaptation of Angie Thomas’ hit novel, The Hate U Give.
Lawley was set to have a pretty significant role in The Hate U Give, playing Starr Carter’s (the protaganist, played by Amandla Stenberg) boyfriend. However, 20th Century Fox has officially stated that the role will be recast due to his remarks in the video.
Related: Insecure star Issa Rae signs on for big screen adaptation of The Hate U Give
20th Century’s official statement to Buzzfeed News was, “Due to the controversy surrounding his past comments and behavior, Kian Lawley will no longer appear in The Hate U Give. The studio plans to recast the role of Chris and reshoot scenes as needed.”
This is a pretty huge setback for the film, as filming wrapped in November of 2017. The Hate U Give doesn’t yet have a release date, but will likely release a bit later than the studio was planning to reshoot Lawley’s part.
The Hate U Give tells the story of Starr Carter as she navigates the very different worlds of the black neighborhood she was raised in, and the white, suburban neighborhood in which she attends private school. When her best friend, Khalil (who was unarmed) is shot and killed by a police officer, Starr finds her voice and learns to stand up for what she believes in.
It makes perfect sense for the studio to decide to recast that role. For a film that is so wholly rooted in the discussion of racial justice and calling out prejudice, having an actor with a known track record for using racial slurs and making racist comments for YouTube views isn’t a great look.
Still, Angie Thomas has taken to Twitter to respond to those who have been attacking her for Lawley’s firing. She tweeted out a thread to not only remind everyone that the entire story hasn’t been told, that this situation has been extremely painful for her and everyone involved, but also (and maybe most importantly) that calling out a black woman because a white guy said something that got him fired is definitely the wrong reaction to have here.
Oh, only you knew half of what I've gone through because of this. Half of the tears that have been shed. The disappointment and heartbreak.
Don't assume, sweets. Everything I've Tweeted is out of sheer disappointment in someone I love. They know. I know. That's all that matters.
— Angie Thomas Doesn't Control Movies (@angiecthomas) February 5, 2018
Feel free to love your fave. But know that there is a TON of pain associated with this, more than you know. If I subtweet, I subtweet. I do what I want on my Twitter because yep, I'm a grown woman.
— Angie Thomas Doesn't Control Movies (@angiecthomas) February 5, 2018
For his part, Lawley apologized, telling Buzzfeed News, “Words have power and can do damage. I own mine and I am sorry. I respect Fox’s decision to recast this role for The Hate U Give as it is an important story, and it would not be appropriate for me to be involved considering the actions of my past.”
There’s no word on who is set to replace Lawley, or when the reshoots will take place. However, we’re excited to see 20th Century Fox’s dedication to making sure this important film is done right.