LIGHT SKIN PRIVILEGE | HOW ZOE SALDANA RUINED HER REPUTATION

[@BLACKFEMININITYTV]

I’m just here to remind you guys that Bob Johnson is the same guy that told Big Lez back in the 90s that she’s not what men want to see on TV.

[@Iwant2BYRLova]

WTF

[@kaylao.3326]

BLACK FEMININITY TV He was just mad cause she wouldn’t fuck him

[@vezzttine7075]

She's not. sorry

[@Vanessa-xx3yz]

@@vezzttine7075 I think the bigger point here is that while male actors of the 90s were considered by their appeal to all audiences, women were still only considered for the way they'd be viewed by men. Not considering the fact that not all people are straight or have other interests in people's talent other than "I would bang her".

[@bbrown333]

Great videos, but 'Cast-ed' is NOT a word. The simple past participle is "cast", i.e. she was CAST in the role. Please, please stop saying 'casted' it does not sound good.

[@ubercutegurl12]

I think India Arie would've been great as Nina.

[@isaiahwinbrone]

You damn right

[@___zeke___7581]

I didn’t know she could act too, that would’ve been crazy

[@tylerhackner9731]

Agreed yesss

[@NaturalEmpress_Love]

Amazing ♥️

[@nharris2938]

Anika nonie rose would be good as well

[@checkmateforever]

The fact that Hollywood preferred to place Zoe in blackface with a fake nose rather than cast a talented darker skinned actress more suited for the historic role is another thing that makes me not respect Hollywood and take it seriously.

[@sassygreen5024]

U never supposed to respect, nor trust hollyweired.

[@tdunn1907]

Or the fact that someone like Tyler Perry has to put on fake women body parts and act feminine instead of finding a talented real life black woman to play the role of Madea. Yeah I get what you're saying. Hollyweird is sad.

They claimed that Saldana would be a box-office draw. Think it only played about a week in theatres before going to Netflix. Saldana is really not good box-office. Her success has come from attaching herself to big budget franchise movies like Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Trek and Avatar. Those movies were the draw, not Saldana.

[@nora4981]

Honey you’re a fool for even “respecting” Hollywood in the first place 😂clown

[@arizonaFIREent]

@@tdunn1907 so I guess we should have Shamed Eddie Murphy for playing the whole family in "Nutty Professor" since by your logic he should of casted some fat sistah to play his mom

[@Donetv1995]

But India Arie is EVERYTHING for speaking out against this

[@butnowamfound]

And didn't mince words either. I loved her response.

[@vhunter500ify]

She would have been the best Nina Simone for the biopic

[@jasbourne94]

Veronica 425 I agree

[@user-rb4gq2rx8n]

India arie would’ve been perfect

[@Grannysbaby81]

Queen

[@Jade-kz3jb]

If she “doesn’t see color” why did she let them paint her face black....? She would’ve did herself a favor if she just kept quiet lol

[@mrsx7944]

Exactly. That whole interview was cringe cringe cringey! 😣

[@pn6528]

Basically..🤫🤫🤫

[@al-hocprojects2655]

once you sign a contract you have to do everything they say... I can say that in her favor.

[@gemstar7286]

It's really cringe , she should never have accepted this role .

[@melissaaltidor5147]

Like I said in the previous comment if y'all want to get mad over so we saw Donna and let's give the Jennifer Love cousin anybody that played on authorized biopics of singers or historical figures the same treatment like I'm getting real sick and tired of having these conversations

[@HERSHISKISS]

Zoe Saldana thought this would win her an Oscar. This was not it and will never be it.

[@Waifu_Domo]

But she claimed the Oscars didn't matter tho...😒

[@TSR228]

Yuppppp

[@bossytweed6664]

I said the same shit when this all hit the fan years ago and people argued me down saying, "but shes been in huge blockbuster films, she didn't need this role". Lets be real, Zoe Saldana is still not a huge Hollywood name and I bet she's not getting paid anywhere near as much as her more established costars therefore getting those awards would in fact place her in better standing despite claiming she doesn't care. Bet the year she finally gets nominated she gon be up their weeping and crying accepting the award like everyone else.

[@PharaohGoddess1]

Exactly

[@shahrzad4975]

HERSHISKISS ,, because they don’t see darker skin women as attractive or human, I’ve been through the same thing.

[@ertfgghhhh]

So she is of african descent and plays black women in movies but doesnt want to be called black and then tried to play a black american historical figure who was proud to be black............chiiiile

[@justchecking2046]

gospelevans 😂😂 the jokes write themselves

[@ertfgghhhh]

*And i want to say that the controversy started cause zoe said at one time that she was def not black. She fixed it awhile later cause of backlash **and no. This video is not about if zoe says she is black or not

[@ertfgghhhh]

@@justchecking2046 ikr

[@HollywoodCharityAuctioncom]

Exactly.

[@15daboss]

Right! Makes zero sense.

[@Donetv1995]

I hate how black celebrities arent straight forward about these issues... The industry is really sad

[@kenneyp.9456]

It’s because it could affect there careers if they speak up.there already black in “white Hollywood” you think they’ll be casted for movies,shows, and events if they start speaking about there issues. It’s all about money

[@kikinyte6806]

Right ..... how come they stuttering so bad....sad....that says enough....it's in the what they ain't or are afraid to say....and I'm from THE UK 🇬🇧 I have never seen it but the make up alone is traumatizing me from this video alone....I will must up the strength during the covid to watch it

[@BlackGirlLovesAnime6]

They're ok with bein token black people

[@nicoleraheem1195]

If they do, they'll lose their endorsements only to not be financially supported by certain types of black who never helped them get to the top from the gate. Long story short- why risk losing your income over politics for people who won't help you pay your bills because you're already rich? Not them.

[@Chitownhomestead]

Gurlllll.. pathetic..

[@sasakiacharo2989]

Zoe’s views on race AND her phenotype make her unfit for the role. Nina was a civil rights activist, her blackness controlled the way she moved through this world, it coated her songs and made them the blues. Zoe’s “i dont see race” rhetoric does not properly represent Nina at all

[@seaserenity5971]

💯

[@toastEDmrshmello09]

@@wisethabrain1100 ... ok so... In order to embody the actress she is playing she needs somewhere to draw from and she doesn’t have it. That was the point of the comment.

[@cl5470]

Even her example made no sense. "My mother only describes the person as gay if it's relevant to the story" Um, Nina's dark skin WAS relevant to her story. I get the impression Zoe isn't very bright.

[@cl5470]

​@Wise Tha Brain so you'd be fine watching Lindsay Lohan play Gandalf then? Please spare me the lie that you would be.

[@wisethabrain1100]

@@cl5470 Ofcourse she isn’t bright that’s why she is a successful millionaire

[@hayleymadisonllc2180]

They could have found someone who is darker toned not blacker ... those directors have some nerve

[@cherrymisha4797]

Right❤🙏

[@hayleymadisonllc2180]

Adia Darling Wow 🤦🏾‍♀️ and she showed up .... damn shame!

[@sinickasdavis9619]

Yes Hayley exactly

[@cordelwhite1749]

Blacker/Darker more melenated! They know better lol

[@kaylahgoodwin8794]

I HATEEEEE when people say "I don't see color" 😷😷😷😷😷 girl stay far away from me

[@liveyourbestsoftlife5705]

Exactly..6ft away like you have corona

[@macbaeboi]

@@liveyourbestsoftlife5705 *26 feet

[@iy5158]

Omg i thought I was the only one who hated people who say that. Like you’re really not being true to yourself if you say you don’t see color and anyways that’s a white persons favorite go to phrase.

[@assatanoir86]

@@iy5158 Nope I'm sick of it

[@delsgurl4133]

@kaylah goodwin me too, it's the same as when white people say "I'm not racist, I have several black friends". 🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@miguelcervantes1094]

They could've got Leslie Jones or Viola Davis to play as Nina Simone

[@phillinsogood]

Miguel Cervantes yes those would’ve been perfect choices

[@MZPOETSKYLOVEBLACK]

💯❗

[@Babyshoes777]

That actress who wrote and starred in bubblegum on Netflix. She would be perfect

[@GladToBeNatural]

Shit my Girl from Chewing Gum!!!

[@GladToBeNatural]

@@Babyshoes777 yasss!

[@cmays3220]

I need a REAL biopic of Miss Simone. She deserves better. She deserves the best. ❤

[@kimcham9949]

👍 Yet, we see no black people using THEIR money to make any. We've had ample time to make SEVERAL... Where we at???... Seriously... Where are we? When are we going to show up? We can make trash like Coming 2 America, though. Somehow, we have money for that. 😔 Then we can't figure out why we're never taken seriously.

[@butnowamfound]

Riddle me this: If skin color and physical features aren't the issue, then why was Zoe Saldana painted in make up 10 SHADES darker than her skin color, given a trash wig, given an even more trash prosthetic nose, and those bewildering buck and ugly teeth? If Nina's physical features weren't that big of a deal, then why were they slapped on Zoe with absolutely zero care? Let me help you. Y'all made Nina Simone's legacy of fighting for dark skin black women to have a seat at the buffet table of American Beauty a minstrel show. It was cringe city from start to finish. Of course a caucasian woman would be completely deaf to the tone and nuances of the black experience among dark skinned women. Of course any black woman who rarely identifies as black and is constantly celebrating the fact that she grew up identifying and continues to identify as Latina would be completely, utterly, and voluntarily blind to the devastating effects of colorism on dark skinned black women. These effects were the very issues Nina Simone dedicated much of her life to challenging and removing for African Americans. What a powerful legacy that Hollywood tried to take and make in its image. But that's all they did: tried it.

[@liveyourbestsoftlife5705]

Bingo

[@milliec1208]

YESSSSSSS.... and yes!!!

[@ToryCheww]

K Wharton exactly and to piggy back on this comment years ago if I’m not mistaken when avatar came out I remember seeing her in an interview and the interviewer referred to her as African American and she corrected the interviewer by stating I’m not African American I’m Dominican! Also aside from the black community racism pertaining to dark and light skin exist heavily within the Hispanic community! I’m in the metro area and have witnessed and experience the racism! Also for her to compare “hanging out with my gay friend as opposed to her getting heat for basically wearing black face” makes no sense! The person who is gay is not pretending unlike her, who was pretending to be a dark skinned woman and the color in the movie was still lighter than Nina’s complexion!

[@butnowamfound]

@@ToryCheww Could you be more spot on, sis?! This right here. The whole movie demonstrated that everyone involved were just fans of Simone's music but couldn't care less about her life, legacy or all she endured for the greater good. I actually was a fan of Saldana's before she did this. Any artist willing to join hands with a Hollywood pimp slap of this magnitude to the face of an African American icon can't be out here collecting my coin. Period.

[@DrGaslight187]

It was a slap in the face to the American Black experience.

[@lisasaytee7557]

But when you 're making movies about slavery you knew where the dark skin actors were

[@juneroberts7935]

THISSSSS. Your comment deserve millions of likes!

[@megaoldskool76]

Agree, agree, AGREE!!! Well said

[@ericapalmore6266]

BOOM!!!!

[@ericatheempress6698]

Or any undesirable stereotypes like crackheads, prostitutes, or thieves

[@khalil7708]

Come on👍🏾

[@larenzohunt]

I don't appreciate Zoe Saldana in her interview pretending like she doesn't understand colorism. In Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, she is considered dark skinned, and she is fully aware of this. They too suffer colorism. In the US, and within the African American community she is considered of lighter complection; she knows this as well. The fact that she pretends to be aloof around this topic is the exact reason she should not play Nina Simone. How can you honor, let alone relate to Nina when you publicly pretend that this injustice doesn't exist?

[@macummings7818]

Well said Thank you

[@myyoniverseworld6958]

Well said!!!!! I STAN THIS !

[@jamiew.6606]

AMEN 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@Mookaron]

She can play dumb all she wants. She'll never be excepted as a white person!

[@soulvoices1627]

Thank you!

[@yy-hj4br]

"I don't see color." "I'm not Black, I'm OJ" ok

[@ashburnconnecttv7860]

lol

[@annierobin2092]

OKAY

[@femf8tal]

👊👊🏻👊🏼👊🏽👊🏾👊🏿👌

[@kianaw.8096]

jay z

[@MAGAISKLAN]

She said she was Black though.

[@kalalakapay]

Why didn't they just cast Scarlett Johansson?

[@NexhiAlibias]

Right? Damn fools...

[@sprincess-dt7kz]

🤣😂

[@mandisaotumile]

honestly, if they had just cast Scarlett, we wouldn't be having these problems

[@awesomeopossum18]

She actually played evert other character in the film. The make up budget was so big for Zoey they couldn't afford more than 2 actors

[@KSP30]

😂😂😂😂

[@BeautyViaJaleah]

it's so crazy that they just *blatantly* disrespected Nina Simone, her story, and black women like this. and did not care. wow.

[@babycupid761]

Right. They're literally treating her like the Alien Zoe is known for playing! Disgrace 😖😩

[@darnellmajor9016]

The problem with Zoe Saldana is that she hasn't done anything of substance that would even justify in casting her as Simone. Most of her stuff is grounded in shallow Forever 21 type stuff like literally 😆

[@kina7271]

They literally put blackface on this woman when they simply could have gotten a dark skin actress. This is just disrespectful.

[@aliveandconnected]

Saldana was executive producer on the movie. She black-faced herself. She didn't getting the true dragging she deserved. Her co-star was executive producer as well. smh

[@darkcontinentschild2962]

Kina • Viola Davis would have been the obvious choice. She would done the role justice.

[@Dimechanel]

Kina • I just said the same thing like wtf she’s cool & all, but like dawg ya coulda had me do it tf😭

[@latoyagriffin1410]

Exactly! Even with the Black Face, her features were not a match for Nina Simone, who had beautiful full facial features!

[@pjhutchersonpoliticsads7859]

Really!! NONE of these Talented Women are 'Darkskinned'. None of them!! PERIOD.

[@brownskinproud2b548]

Flex playing Michael Jackson lmao I laughed so hard- forgot about that one

[@jeannetteduette6704]

She took the role for the money only and admitted that much in print and to the media. This is the fallout she has to live with. She should stayed in her lane where she was doing quite well.

[@kenneyp.9456]

She is Dominican and Puerto Rican and these countries have looked down on their dark skinned people for a long time. Mainly “Dominicans”

[@itsnotmeitsyou717]

Which baffles me that she acts like she doesnt know anything involving race discussions and colorism. She would have had family/relatives and even friends that shared colorist and antiblack sentiments. Idk if she grew up in any of those countries but if she did or even if she grew up in america alone and race wasnt spoken in the home, she'd definitely see it in school. She just wanted the role and found a way to play ignorant.

[@santanaduncan9047]

Yet she acts like she doesn't KNOW this!

[@slchld.]

@@itsnotmeitsyou717 That's how Dominican culture is though. Even the Dominicans that look Haitian don't like to be referred to anything else outside of Dominican. Same with a lot of Puerto Ricans.

[@DavidPerez-dh8xx]

@@slchld. y tu q eres para saber tanto de dominicano y puertorriqueño?

[@yolir.u9452]

David Perez se sabe hasta yo lo sé

[@Caroline6081]

Cast a dark woman that resembles the original artist; why is that so hard to do? 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@RealiTeaV]

Because ppl are stupid girl. They have shitty standards and treatment towards dark skinned women

[@truelove2334]

Yeah. What happened to the days of, "You're not right for the part"?

[@msnewsenior]

If color didn’t matter, why did they have to darken her up for the role?

[@tapped564]

I did not like that they had to black face her. We need more dark skinned women to play more roles. Tired of all these model like women too.

[@hexmaniacgabby5160]

They rather cast someone lighter and darken them with MAKEUP than cast an actual dark skinned woman...that's sad.

[@blazebaby89]

She says she doesn't benefit from being light skin? Girl...

[@pisceanchaniece5066]

She doesn't. She's not lighter than a Brown paper bag. To white society she isn't light if this were the 1920s she wouldn't be dancing in the Cotton Club.

[@cannadybell8219]

She's racially ambiguous so she definitely benefits

[@sinickasdavis9619]

I love Zoe she's a good actress, however they could of picked another black woman for the role, no hate on Zoe either, I'm just saying

[@thandisilec835]

Monica Logan Agree Zoe is not light skinned in Black American or Black Latina community. Shes someone id describe as light brown or caramel and I also don't think she has particularly Eurocentric features considering that she has a slightly broad nose. I think what she has is a mixed person look, that does give her privilege of society's palatable washed down Blackness. She's dishonest if she doesn't acknowledge that her black is washed down Black that white ppl who control capital for production of movies& whole film industry, find acceptable. All ambiguous Black identifying ppl should be honest as this is nit something we created but we are in it now & need to know how to not cause more harm as we navigate the world. She was wrong for taking on the role, wearing all that Black face when so many deep brown and dark skin unambiguous Black looking women who could had have portrayed Nina exist. India Arie needs to take on this role on all our lifetime

[@Chitownhomestead]

She sounded dumb af....

[@karenearle5507]

The actresses put on the spot about Zoe playing Nina, answered very eloquently.

[@carolinesimeon4361]

honestly I’m very tired of this “I don’t see color” narrative.

[@luvburden5743]

Right like is she blind? Is cataracts the new fashion trend?

[@nowthatsacookie]

RIGHT!!!

[@trexgravyM91]

@dfre$h177 nina simone was all about promoting the beauty of dark skin women. are you slow?

[@Goldaction0]

caroline simeon word

[@tangemclemore8486]

it's an excuse for self hate and racism....Period

[@lazaruserect9276]

When people say "they don't see color", that only means they are in a position to not have to. Where as sister like Nina had to see it because, she was reminded of it daily. She didn't have, nor did she want the privilege, to run from the conversation. Zoe does not share Nina's values, because she seems to want her European culture to shine.

[@skywalker6648]

Well, that position does have a "short" shelf life. Lol, missed adding that word in!

[@awba23]

I very much agree with you with her color blindness speaks loud for light skin position, but what European culture does she have? She was born in New Jersey and her parents are Puerto Rican and Dominican, none of them are European

[@lazaruserect9276]

@@awba23 Hi Andre's. When I used the word "Culture". I don't just mean the ones we are born into, but, also the ones we embrace by choice. I don't see color to me is, 'I don't want to see MY color". The thing is every body else does. This is not unusual among our black queens. There were black female actors in the who would only work with white leading men. Black men are just a guilty. I only date these people. As a man or woman thinks in their heart. Blessings..

[@lazaruserect9276]

Hi Andre's. When I use the word "Culture", It doesn't always mean the one you are born into ,but, rather, the one you choose to embrace by choice. Female actors who only want to work with white leading men. Rich ball player who only want white women, after leaving the black girlfriend before being a draft pick. We want to be what we want to be. Born that or not...as a man or woman believes, they are. Blessings.

[@Vesayah]

I hate when people say they "dont see color" like its a disability you get praised for not noticing. All colors should be noticed and seen and appreciated. To be color blind is to miss the point of diversity.

[@Kristmaz808]

Yeah I haven’t liked zoe since the nina simone movie... she has identity issues yet tries to profit from blackness...

[@hairpolitics4878]

Kristmaz808 Facts

[@demam4648]

Well she cant play the role of a white women, she still looks non white

[@shuifeng1333]

Right

[@DrGaslight187]

Shit makes me sick

[@Keithistall21]

facts

[@1999BRIA]

Michaela Coel could have easily played her and so many more actresses. I get SO disappointed every time people poorly cast actors specifically in a biopic

[@lourdesgyan]

The first day I saw her Michaela I was like This is Miss Simone!

[@1999BRIA]

Exactly! When I saw her on Chewing Gum that's when I knew she gave Nina Simone.@@lourdesgyan

[@coepatte99]

Michaela Coel would be perfect!

[@rachelramsey1732]

India Arie should have played Nina Simone hands down.

[@yagirlkayy5060]

rachel ramsey Periodt! And if India didn’t want to do it, then they should’ve gone for Viola just like that actress stated. India would’ve been perfect though!

[@nicholeallen3605]

HANDS DOWN!!!

[@beatsdontstop305]

Or Regina King. I love Regina King. She's amazing too

[@tfarley34able]

She would’ve been a perfect 👌🏾 fit🥰

[@jenng7389]

precisely

[@jessel4life]

Hearing her interview with Sway made me lose the last bit of respect I had for her. Her "I dont see color," all lives matter attitude shows EXACTLY how privileged she is as a Latina, ethnically ambiguous, light skinned, "exotic," woman. As a dark skinned woman, I don't have the luxury of talking about how I "don't see color." I'm reminded of my color daily. She should have turned that role down, and she knows it.

[@Shottamanrambo]

Preach

[@alexandria_aesthetic]

Yup

[@chocolatediamonds5760]

Ahkilalah 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 facts!!!

[@pisceanchaniece5066]

You make a point but to me Zoe isn't light skin not saying she's dark but I don't see light skin. Hell for her to be Brown skin she's hella ignorant now I see that statement coming from Rosario Dawson or Lala Anthony but I was very disappointed with Zoe Saldana as a woman who is the same skin tone as her.

[@FaithPeach]

🙏🏾

[@feebaby]

The fact that Zoe took the role says a lot about her. Even if she’s “color blind” 😒 she knows how hard it is for dark skinned actresses with Afro features. The fact that she decided to do it, shows that she uses her privilege! So just like she doesn’t see color, we didn’t see the movie!

[@tanishakennedy4616]

😂😂😂😂😂😂👏👏👏👏👏

[@shoshannaabraham501]

Lol!

[@tlunceford77]

I remember them talking about it. Didnt know they actaully release that mess

[@sinickasdavis9619]

Oops lol 😂😅

[@JaSam4EverAlways]

And don't plan on seeing it, either.

[@faithkwaku]

She is the type of girl who will be the next Stacey Dash. FAB

[@carmendelgado105]

I don’t agree with people who say “I don’t see color.” We all do but what makes a difference is how we treat one another.

[@KTY-zh2xt]

Well said.

[@kevinodom2918]

it doesn't mean they literally don't see color. Its a mindset.

[@ursula8390]

@@kevinodom2918 Brotha, that mindset is flawed...we are so pressured into the illusion of inclusion, that we believe the farce. Our Father sees the difference in us from others.

[@DeedeePurpose]

Bingo

[@deadchannel3610]

everyone is different and we shouldnt need to be the same to treat each other with respect and like normal human beings.

[@karenmassey8354]

If Zoe feels that color doesn’t matter why star in a movie about Nina whose music was about her very experience of being a dark skinned black woman with African features in America. So much cognitive dissonance.

[@TheCarnivoreSoprano]

Exactly. Nina was proud of our identity as dark women.

[@Theodore_ML]

Money

[@Comeonyoutubeseriously]

Exactly! And especially after listening to those songs, wouldn’t you then feel uncomfortable to lay such a role?!

[@b.mckaybyam1794]

It’s called acting.....you don’t need to play a role that you literally are in real life....ACTING

[@inactiveandsavedforarchive9312]

@@b.mckaybyam1794 that makes no sense.

[@CityBluee]

People forget shes also Dominican, a lot of dominicans have problems with their blackness

[@ToryCheww]

CityBlue exactly which is why I’m confused about her statement pertaining to she don’t see color! Please she said in a interview years ago she’s not black she Dominican

[@YouluvvKay]

Because by the end of the day, Dominicans are hispanic/latina so ofc there not gonna say there black because we're not considered as black.(BTW not every Dominican is black...some are white Dominicans and mixed Dominicans and ofc some are black Dominicans).

[@Lostinmyhead23]

That’s still not an excuse it’s 2020 they need to get over the fact that they have black ancestry

[@LaCrownedGamer]

Interesting, I actually have met 3 Dominicans, one in high school. College, and work. All three of them were of of deep dark completions. My skin tone is usually around a cinnamon color. They constantly told me how lucky I was for being so light and how I would have been a "house slave". When asked if they considered themselves black they all scoffed, saying how they speak Spanish, that they "are dark but are not black." And how it as even offensive to be considered black or afro decent. They considered themselves to be dark Spaniards which really baffles me to this day.

[@capricornlife5778]

Coraima's Vlogss every Dominican has african blood. Some are white skinned some are browned skinned. Still have African blood

[@breathnstop]

You make a great point. It's not about Zoe and not about her color. It's about authentically telling Nina Simone's story.

[@bubblybubbles4023]

She should have been logical and respectful enough to turn down the Nina Simone role.

[@liveyourbestsoftlife5705]

She wanted that check at all cost

[@Chitownhomestead]

Too easy... she's cancelled

[@taz9234]

Exactly turn the role down and educate the director. I now cannot stand Zoey.

[@_Lunanella_]

Who else was like "wtf is she talking about?" during her Sway interview?

[@breaellis5827]

Keyoka 😭😭

[@MsT-xm8xz]

🙋 meeeeee 😂😂😂

[@vanitygirl80]

...and cringing😫

[@JoyLynn82]

🤣🤣

[@luvburden5743]

She was all over the place .. Then she started talking about fat high school kids and highlights.. Tf?

[@ms.a.r.m.3047]

The fact that she doesn’t feel or see her privilege demonstrates why she couldn’t play the beautiful Nina Simone well. Discrimination was part of Nina’s pain how can you depict it if you never felt it. That pain is deep. I hope someone else decides to tell her story right.

[@Mariah-tg8mp]

Yet a whole video discriminating against a single person because theyre not a certain color

[@TheFreshgirl96]

Mariah right!! They picking on her and dont even understand as a people were being racist to out own!

[@TheFreshgirl96]

Denzel play Malcom!! Thats all im saying!!

[@hell0br00klyn]

I agree 100% ... no doubt. Shes a great actress tho, hell she played tf outta being a blue alien😂🤣 regardless of ALL THAT she was still a horrific choice. Which is why the movie flopped bc her appearance was so distracting it made viewers uncomfortable

[@s_8261]

Mariah if you were a tad bit attentive during the first few seconds of the video it said this video isn’t for people who aren’t good with comprehension. You’re “people”.

[@LilaD2304]

as a light skin person, I feel deeply sorry this kind of this situation make us light skin people look arrogant and ignorant. Most of us just want to blend in the back community, because we identify with it, and cherish black culture as every proud black person do. I hope more dark skin actresses and actors will get more roles and not only based on their skin color but also on their ability and talent. I hope one day all black and brown people can all unite to be stronger and go forward

[@aunaturale1805]

The reaction is more about how much of a stretch this was for Zoe to play this role. It is an automatic disconnect for Nina fans. It's like Missy Elliott playing Vanessa Williams. Actors playing life roles are celebrated a lot more when the viewers can connect with the players. It's so exciting to anticipate the players. A biographical real writer and conscious actress would respect and understand how to make the connection .That just did not happen here.

[@LilaD2304]

@@aunaturale1805 she made herself look ignorant because of this stretch you are talking about

[@faith2xxx]

@@aunaturale1805 Speaking of Missy Elliott, that trash Aaliyah movie had a light skinned, thin actress portraying her. That was some Wendy Williams mess.

[@thisisatrium]

Indie Arie, Lauren Hill, or Viola Davis 100% should be the choices for a real movie about Ms. Simone.

[@mrsx7944]

*India

[@MauricioSierraM.]

India.Arie was perfect

[@seanmcquinn9603]

Viola Davis would have been perfect

[@travisallens242]

Black is black read that again ......The Bahamas loves all black people!!!!

[@mrsx7944]

@@seanmcquinn9603 too old

[@rosalyn7762]

I haven't seen that film about Nina Simone with Zoe as her, & never will, looks like a minstrel show.

[@MZPOETSKYLOVEBLACK]

Mi either this shit is ridiculous

[@butnowamfound]

cause that's what it is.

[@rosalyn7762]

When she said she don't see color🙄😒I'm like "Oh Zoe, you're not that good of an actress😌

[@toidean633]

Rosalyn it was horrible and I couldn't finish watching it!!!

[@godsheals90]

Agreed I refuse to watch it.

[@Beelzebubbly]

The lead actress of Chewing Gum literally looks like Nina Simone reincarnated!! I liked Zoe Saldana but her attitude regarding the conversation makes me side eye her.

[@mrsbigmamayas3765]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏Yes! You are correct!

[@ilovechips1327]

And she has an amazing voice as well.

[@ReadyorNot811]

Facts..she does

[@niiece2273]

ummmm yeah its a no for me

[@mamatosh05]

I had to look the show up cause I never heard of it; & you are absolutely correct. The perfect image if Nina Simon. Michaela Coel

[@williebrooks7384]

There are so many Hollywood actors and rappers that I would NEVER dignify. Never in life ever again. They are mere people.

[@ashleetyler429]

The fact that the other BLACK ACTRESSES were AFRAID to speak up about it and danced around the question speaks VOLUME

[@roneishasanders7782]

Yea they faces was like let me figure out how to say this the nicest I know how. They wanted to go off

[@kiki1573]

I think they kept it real.

Zoe has every right to play Nina Simone.. Blacks should play other blacks.. All these people are haters.

[@tianafreeman9388]

@ garbage commentary and complete and utter ignorance 🗑

[@aprilh8022]

@ That might be true if Nina Simone was a fictional person, but shes was not and if they thought Zoe was black enough to play the part why the hell did they need to put her in black face?

[@samlsd9711]

If she "Doesn't see colour" should've refused when they put dark colour on her skin.

[@tangemclemore8486]

that part!

[@isisabdullah6814]

yes

[@tammygamble8313]

Exactly!!!

[@jasonflake8057]

I know you ain't talking your Oliver ass.

[@Catsgivemelife]

Jason Flake, ok but y r u mad?

[@mmca9323]

She looked horrible as Nina so disrespectful to such a great legend

[@parrishharris3008]

That's the absolute truth

[@N11-xr9pi1]

did you see the lighter skin peeking out from underneath the blackface makeup though... around the eyes especially...

[@millions2nette]

IKR! Looked like bad funeral makeup, or something. (Like, maybe the person was in a car-crash and had to be repaired). This is the first time I ever heard her say that she' black...Usually she plays up the "latina". I know Latino is not a race an that there are black latinas, but sometimes it hard to tell.

[@MzTarshaB]

Mo's World Agreed.

[@ChiefJayBinns]

Did anyone see the movie? Exactly Malcom X's street name was literally big red and you ain't say shytt about Denzel chocolate azz playing a light brown man with reddish hair

[@odalis1893]

I believe Nina’s family should’ve taken a part of the casting process. They knew Nina the best. They know what features she had that made her special and her aura.

[@1987jetaime1987]

She didn’t even understand the struggles of the woman she played. 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@TshepoMohasoane]

I also hate it when people who obviously benefit from colourism sit there and tell us they do not benefit from it. They painted her dark , made her wear an afro & made her wear a prosthetic nose.

[@mrsoshadabaadman]

@Brazilian Goddess White privilege is owning a smart phone and drinking coffee?? Shiiit then I'm half way there but I hate coffee.

[@psomichelle2758]

Cuz I don't. you don't know every light skinned life, how the fuck you gonna tell me about MY life? Gag. Kiki. Ya'll complain about colorist and be colorist against people who aren't dark, even going as far as to even say we aren't black. I didn't even agree with the mess zoe pulled but go awwwwf. Outside of Holloywood doing this shit right here, the only time I see pRivlIaGe, is in the dating world. The niggas that says only lighskinned women are cute, shouldn't even be on ANYONE's radar, I shot down a dude for clowning dark skinned women in front of me thinking I'd go for that, and he was dark his damn self. Attack people like Zoe who accepted the role, attack these "men" that perpetuate the problem. Light skinned people are here....and they aren't going anywhere so you gotta toughen up. Sorry, not sorry.

[@diamondblack19]

@@psomichelle2758 You really felt attacked huh? I highly doubt if she meant every light skinned person. There is light skinned privilege, and it's more of how the person responds to it. Like taking a role that you have to darken your skin to even play. You said you didn't agree with Zoe taking the role, and talked about how men perpetuate the problem, so obviously you're not part of the problem

[@carlyletom301]

@@psomichelle2758 I appreciate your comment. People are complaining about Hollywood but still do not understand what the word means. Hollywood comes from the wood/stick from the Holly shrub. Magicians used this stick as a wand. Meaning that Hollywood creates magic on the screen. Alike, dressing up Zoe to become whatever they interpret. Hollywood passed over hundreds of choices, but the main issue, is that it was THEIR choice. Black people have do not have that power in Hollywood, hence the reason why Tyler Perry created his own. If "black" people have a problem with Hollywood, then boycott Hollywood. Create your own, or continue as a beggar to whites, complaining in the THEIR house.

[@johnnydept4082]

Dark women try to portray lightskin women everyday

[@mariancounsellor]

Why did she think it was ok to black up her skin like that and put in false teeth and fake nose? She made a mockery out of Nina Simone.

[@chasep1310]

And that is not on at all. One Nina song alone will out way all this nonsense

[@syber7824]

this is wild

[@jimcampbell9566]

Didn't Will Smith wear a fake nose for his role as Muhammad Ali - that didn't seem disrespectful ?

[@Madame_Alexis]

Because she is not black American and can never understand our plight. Horribly casted movie

[@ctucker7002]

@@Madame_Alexis Oh Boy!

[@chellierenae]

The fact that she doesn't see color then she couldn't have possibly gotten to the core of who nina was

[@mrsx7944]

Exactly. That's such a silly and oblivious stance to take. How could you NOT consider color when portraying a woman who's fought hard for racial justice?? She's a whole fool.

[@nunascc]

Viola Davis would have done an amazing job! They should of picked her! She’s my fav actress

[@MariaFlores-ef1oz]

The fact that she's your favorite actress doesn't mean that she wouldn't done a good job she's not a good actress I honestly can't remember one of her jobs that's actually good

[@Pink_pr1ncess]

Mari Flores Shut up and stop spamming. Since you love Zoe so much go watch the movie and support Hollyweird.

[@ihateyouall7026]

Mari Flores The Help.

[@MariaFlores-ef1oz]

@@Pink_pr1ncess no I'm not gonna shut up I'm gonna defend her because all of you attacking her like that it's not fair

[@MariaFlores-ef1oz]

@@ihateyouall7026 ok I give it to you that's a good movie

[@poohcanplay123]

I loved how the other actresses tried their best to critique the choice of actress while not bashing Zoë. Very classy, but the initial reactions had me rolling tho 🤣 Edit: 8:07 🙊🙈

[@nora4981]

Tomie Ito they handled that well. They knew that if they walked away without saying anything ... the media will spin it in their own way.

[@1xkoko]

“The makeup frightened me “ I hollered 😂😂

[@deenicole4951]

😶🙄😳🤦🙆🤷🤕

[@naynay9434]

3:55 tho 😂

[@poohcanplay123]

janaye martin girl!😹😹😹

[@tykelwilliams6053]

Lauryn Hill or India Arie would’ve been great

[@kiko485]

Tykel Williams Oh I completely forgot about Lauryn! Great call!

[@tanishakennedy4616]

Thank you!

[@tiseytise]

Tykel Williams right!

[@Chitownhomestead]

Lauryn wouldn't have showed up lol

[@carm7518]

Lauryn is too problematic

[@canineuniversity1015]

As a libertarian white man, I greatly enjoy the comment section of this channel. Love to hear all these brand new perspectives I never even could have imagined existed. God bless and good luck to everyone!

[@PaisleyMoon2022]

She said she doesn't "believe in people of color" then in the next breath "I'm okay with my blackness"...how does that work? 🤔

[@N11-xr9pi1]

Right, also do folks that are just fine with being black need to even make it known that they are okay with their blackness, like it's a scar and not a source of pride...

[@phi4liphe944]

@@N11-xr9pi1 When other people tend to assume that other people aren't comfortable with it. YOu think she would be in interviews just off the cuff making those kind of statements had it not been something mentioned by others? I am just curious...do you people even think before you get to typing some of these comments...lol

[@phi4liphe944]

I am pretty sure thats not what she said...but feel free to drop the time stamp for me so I can be convinced.

[@vohnmartez9820]

I know what she meant. Maybe just maybe..she doesn't believe in color but she knows everyone else does.

[@prettypetals5201]

Stacy dash got a new best friend

[@ashleetyler429]

Black actors need to STOP BEING SCARED and SPEAK OUT

[@bri7193]

Ashlee Tyler bruh they was dancing around the question I was like come on tf...

[@DymondCityRydaz]

Go to your job and speak out against issues bothering you with either clients or management... see how long you last. Y do ppl say shit they know they wont do??

[@AIONBERSERKER]

Are you gonna pay their mortgage when they get black listed?

[@sugarpearl9781]

Ashlee Tyler We can’t do that at our jobs without consequence, what makes you think they can? We’ve seen actors and actresses get black balled (Monique for example), so I’m not mad at black entertainers who want to keep it cute and professional in public.

[@itsthehumor95]

Period

[@Lola_Loren]

I always thought Lauryn Hill would've been a good choice, she can act (which is very important) and sing.

[@aly5891]

MsLOLA K. Agreed. even Suzanne Warren, girl can sing too!

[@UndiCreator]

She would have been a great choice, however I wonder if her legal issues prevented her from being an option?

[@RDCFemmes]

India Aria

[@dontrelate465]

Micheala Coel would’ve been good (idk if she sings)

[@beccawecca916]

Search "rock and roll hall of fame lauren hill nina simone" Cuz u hit the nail on the head, they had Lauren Hill perform in honor of Nina and received Nina Simone's posthumous induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 💙

[@DeCurtaRican]

Dania Gurira (All Eyez on Me (2Pac’s Mother, Afeni), Black Panther, Avengers, etc.) would have been a great choice, too. Why doesn’t anyone mention her?

[@gamissyjames9719]

Zoe has this Stacy Dash thing going on, she apparently needs a script for life.

[@Lisnist]

Definitely agree!!!!

[@15daboss]

Lmaooo Stacy dash thing 😂😂😂😂😂

[@tylerhackner9731]

Clearly 😂😂😂

[@queengreen4409]

I like that! 💯

[@mandyyve3566]

That part I'm done😒.

[@blessingduru8018]

how can the same person who finds “talking about ethnicity uncomfortable” play NINA SIMONE😭i just can’t

[@senoracheapee1864]

blessing duru and in blackface with a prosthetic nose😂

[@martymarl4602]

Exactly...Just listening to her explain her views on race showed why she was manifestly unfit for role....she grew up largely protected from the effects of being black, while Nina was abused and ostracized because of it...clearly Zoe is sensible enough to recognize that..........Zoe is no fool...there are darker forces at work here

[@anaityketihw]

@es johnson The issue is that Zoe is the producer. Not only did she help create the movie, she cast herself in the movie and chose to play a person who was all about black beauty and pride. Why the hell should someone who hates being black play her?

[@theBSisreal]

@@WomenLoveBusiness That would also be true about the production they don't understand it so it doesn't mean anything to them.

[@tarabryant2141]

@blessing duru whhewwwwww.... one mo time for the folks who came in late

[@nnasjaa]

Viola Davis was made for that role, they could’ve went a whole different way to give Nina the story she deserved 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@mrsx7944]

Imo VD was too old to play Nina. A younger actress would've been perfect.

[@cristinadriviera8144]

nnasjaa + So sad. If that Zoe had an ounce of style , she would have told the producers Viola HAS to do it .

[@blesbeauty1018]

Not relevant but you are so pretty

[@lindaop8202]

Did Viola apply and get rejected?

[@nenej12]

@@mrsx7944 the studio wanted money! That’s why the movie failed! The studio did to much and let Zoe catch all the flack for it

[@FlyGirlTee123]

“so if you have weak comprehension this video is not for you” I love it

[@Nihilistic_Narcissist]

She pretends that she can profit of her black heritage while dismissing it like a white person. At the end of the day, when she was cool with blackface, that was all that need to be said

[@ashleyvazquez9402]

Daaaamn 👌

[@the_emmasculator]

BIG FACTS 💯

[@SA-wg2mi]

My thing is they always know where to find darkskin actors when its a movie about slaves, being a drug addict, thug. Like why. Zoe Saldana should have known that she was taking an opportunity away from someone who deserved it, she honestly disappointed me

[@rareonyxx2095]

@Sasa Akin Your comment should have 10.5K next to it!!! Latinos I don't care what shade...have not experienced what it is like to be BLACK in America... they only pretend to identify, and relate to us out of convenience...How selfish and fake

[@MsSasha0529]

She disappointed me as well. She can't even say her struggle was the same or similar but then plays the role like it's something she can relate to. This is just sad. Her interview made me side eye her...and I like her as an actress but this role wasn't for her. The emotions isn't the same.

[@15Jogador15]

TRUTH!

[@treneicewalker5434]

you are all the way true. I said why darksin actors can't be like an leading character /just like jennifer lawrence was in hunger games. plus, I think they making to many slaves movies.- now zoe should'nt agreed to that role. period.

[@itsmememe3489]

Sasa Akin get over yourself ffs

[@vanessa101ization]

The whole thing is absolute rubbish. Even her justification was rubbish.

[@LonerBecause]

💯

[@lyndoraburroughs-robinson5663]

You have said everything 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤

[@tragedyturnedtriumph4180]

She "doesn't see color" yet had to shade her skin darker to play a role, i can see why people would have a problem with this. This is more of Hollywood's fault.

[@angelamejia-loggia7331]

She should have never played Nina. Period.

[@BayouKitchenGuy]

I didn't see the movie and she probably shouldn't have played her. But light skin men play dark skin men. Sadly they don't get the same heat. 🤔🤔

[@Jpow915]

I agree

[@disturbedbloodsucker9379]

@Far Above Rubies SHE could have said no to the role. She wasn't dark enough and then they put darker makeup on her. She should have walked away when they did that at least

[@poisegrace9563]

@@BayouKitchenGuy I didn't watch it either. I agree with you though. I'm just wondering why Will Smith is playing Venus and Serena Williams father.

[@tanajajohnson754]

I agree

[@bigduckenergyb.d.e.2710]

They are acting like casting an actor with Nina Simone’s skin complexion isn’t important but still put dark make up on Zoe Saldana face ⁉️😩

[@macummings7818]

Please say it LOUDERRR I'm like - um - I thought color didn't matter? 'n stuff?

[@THEGREEDYCOUPLE]

EXACTLY!!!!

[@mskeke6337]

A complete contradiction

[@glw5166]

You better say it again!

[@health_is_wealth333]

Exactly!

[@shaneecuevas7990]

The fact that she doesn’t understand. And says “I’ve never benefited from being light skin”, she is so detached from a real Black woman’s reality. So how could she even relate to the character?

[@Maki-00]

She benefited, she just doesn't recognize it!

[@Maki-00]

She benefited, she just doesn't recognize it!

[@justme-ew3ri]

Actually truly like to act you have to do your homework and when they are a real person that is work and work and more work so if she did any I’m like you would have come out of that with a new attitude towards being black

[@nicole4779]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE INTRO!! 💕 it gives me all the nostalgia feels!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@apriljones3173]

This was a chance for them to put someone in black face, attach a large fake nose and mock us.......and Zoe helped them do it! Plain and simple!!!

[@meelee280]

Right! If you've gotta fake a whole hue to fit a part, it's not the right part for you.

[@meelee280]

Who can be ok with sitting there, putting on black face??

[@tangemclemore8486]

omg this is so true!

[@s_8261]

Redlove❤ You sound stupid.

[@avawilliams5827]

Plain and fucking simple

[@AlB-dh7zp]

So, how can you accurately portray someone who's entire life and career was scrutinized based on the color of her skin if you don't see color. How can you relate to that character?

[@ichoosemysanity6467]

As black people we don't get anything for being Black whereas the other groups have actually communities we have disunion and disorder.

[@nicb511]

💯💯💯💯

[@THER00BILLZ]

Exactly

[@michaelbruno1330]

Can you relate to every person and situation that comes your way

[@scholasticbookfair.]

@@michaelbruno1330 Way to beat around the bush. Are you trying to say that dark skinned black women don't experience some of the same scrutinization and hate as they did 50 years ago? Please keep your weak arguments to yourself because you have nothing valid to say. No one has experienced the EXACT same situations in life BUT to try to make a point that a MIXED RACE light skinned woman with European features would've been the best choice to play someone like Nina Simone, someone who's faced so much scrutiny because of her skin tone and African features is baseless. A dark skinned woman would definitely have been a better choice to play Nina's role because she could've identified with the role and put much more emotion into it because more than likely they've experienced the same racism and colorism that Nina has. Take that rah-rah shit somewhere else you ignorant plebeian. Stick to Hispanic problems and stay out of black issues that you could never understand, ese.

[@ofcabbagezandkingz]

She needs to just stick to the alien roles since she doesn’t “understand” (or whatever she said) what blackness and being a black person is.

[@blacindo8945]

TeeJaé West right lmaooo

[@bri7193]

😭🤣🤣😭🤣🤣

[@nowthatsacookie]

There are some latinos who do have an issue with “black” or “blackness”

[@mzeasha2]

Yup💯

[@iamtheonlywilly]

@@nowthatsacookie that's a fact that I've experienced firsthand

[@tinjazv8743]

WOW Zoe is so privileged and she proved it with her statements. “I don’t see color...” “Run away from the word ethnic..” “Identity...” Everything she says reeks of PRIVILEGE! I bet if she didn’t look the way she did and wasn’t getting roles, she would be singing a different tune. Color exists and we have to acknowledged it first!

[@WVandellHarris]

You do not cast someone that doesn’t believe in color or runs from words like ethnicity to portray someone that placed their color culture and her belief in those things first. That alone makes this very disrespectful. Zoe took this role to add to here portfolio, not to inform people and to take a deep dive into what Ms Simone was really about.

[@queena_]

facts

[@מוטיבני-ס1ת]

@@queena_ chill man she is an actress, a professional. Would you ask a black accountant to exempt you of an audit just because you are black? enough with the hypocrisy.

[@msrain1235]

​@@מוטיבני-ס1תtrue she's an actress, but when you portray a real person it's a different story especially, with the background, of someone like Miss Nina. This isn't a role that should be seen as putting on her resume.

[@johnashton4776]

Don't see no colour OK then why is your partner European, and your children half African your from a Spanish speaking country. Don't see colour pure nonsense, her bra and pants match.

[@JewelAlisa]

She’s would of been better off saying she did it for a check.

[@90christia]

Exactly she was hurting for that check smh🤦‍♀️

[@KurosakiLuvar01]

Idk why she didn’t just say that lmao

[@JewelAlisa]

Right I would of respected that more than oh I don’t see color 😂

[@Ducky190]

Exactly and kept it moving 👏 Thank you!!!

[@simp1ymakay1a1ynn]

Exactly cause we all know that's the real reason

[@teddyslibrary]

The makeup alone frightened me cause I didnt know what I was looking at!

[@TheCarnivoreSoprano]

I adore Sheryl.

[@tangemclemore8486]

and meant it! she the only one that kept it real

[@valarmorghulis3773]

I hollered🤣 Older black woman shade hit different

[@samlsd9711]

I didn't watch it, I will never.

[@ShaeNik]

OK!! "What," who, and WHY?!

[@Neenee_]

Crazy thing is they wouldn’t cast a dark skinned women to play a light skinned women tf. And I’m “light skinned” I understand this. And wtf is this MJ movie 🤣🤣

[@tatum635]

Cc Angela Bassett played Rosa Parks and Denzel Washington played MalcomX

[@elleofhearts8471]

@@tatum635 1) not only have Angela and Denzel proven themselves to be amazing actors, theyve amassed a massive amount of respect for talent alone and were already accomplished actors by the time they played those roles. If either of them were going for a role you were in charge of casting for, would YOU turn them down just because they weren't the exact same skin color as the people they were playing? didnt think so. zoe isnt even talented or respected enough to do that even if she WERE the same skin color as nina. she could never compare to Angela in terms of talent or who has more respect so it's not even fair to zoe to compare her to angela. they're not even in the same league. 2)even if they werent the same skin color, having darker actors playing lighter people (which hasn't happened again since then) is totally different from lightwashing historically dark figures. they dont have the same impact or send the similar message as "lighter is better". no ones coming away thinking that darker skin is better than lighter skin after watching the rosa parks story.

[@rachelm.3173]

@@elleofhearts8471 Well said 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@melodramaticfoolmiz]

elle ofhearts I do think it is a problem. It erases the realities of colorism in America. Rosa parks would not have gained the same recognition had she been dark skin, Thurgood Marshall, the women of Hidden figures etc. When biopics about light skin Black figures are casted with dark skin actors I think it erases the reality of light skin privilege throughout history. you know? Neither is ok, both reimagine a false American history.

[@jtaylor7970]

Thank you 👏🏽👏🏽 wtf was she thinking

[@SurenaMonae]

Saying “I don’t see color" is like claiming you’re blind when you’re not.

[@illwitness]

_QueenvCee lol.

[@awakeneddrybones7777]

Shes a 🍭 what else would you expect from her? 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@jccusell]

Indeed. "Color blind" is the term we're looking for in that case.

[@jccusell]

@ Don't forget about the blue experience. You know what I'm talking about

[@enterprisingentrepreneur9081]

...let's take a history of the men she has dated then we will see whether she truly see in color or not...How the eff as person of color one can truly say, "I don't see color" that probably mean that as a person of color one is not living in one's truth.

[@Atetrigrams]

The fact that she doesn’t know where she stands, means that she was never meant for the role..seeing as Nina stood for much more.

[@mkingadiffernce]

@Brazilian Goddess I believe you are missing the point when it's a iconic figure like nina then it's more then just acting, if it was just about just acting when it comes to these iconic figure especially black figures like Mrs. Nina then ali played by will and ray play by jamie would not have won awards and impacted the world and been special. I do believe Zoe is a good actress and I like her alot but I DNT think she took this role serious and it was just what you said acting. I also don't think the director took this role serious either because if he did then he would have casted someone who looked the part with a iconic figure like Mrs lady nina simone. They have to remake this film and get her story and character right!!

[@mkingadiffernce]

@Brazilian Goddess Lastly how can you compare making a killing movie to making a iconic figure movie like Mrs lady nina simone. That's like comparing scary movie to ali or ray. Terrible comparison.

[@HuemorDGAP]

That part!! Oh, the irony!! Nina must have rolled over in her grave when she saw that make up job and then heard the actress playing herself, thee Nina Simone - the woman who wrote "Mississippi, Goddamn!!!" - say she runs from conversations about race...

[@mkingadiffernce]

@@HuemorDGAP Right

[@abeltesfaye_]

I'm half black/half white BUT I recognize my privileges. I will never stop working to educate myself on issues I can never truly know because of my privileges. Zoe is embarrassing and the fact that she engaged in blackface is pitiful.

[@AphuaLarbi]

Why oh why would they let white writers write black stories??? It doesn’t make sense

[@AphuaLarbi]

KRISLUXXEEE everything is topsy-turvy in this world. And it’s not right

[@bluetsegaye]

maybe we should step up and write the stories first than saying why are they writing it...even now there are tons of stories to be told but i see almost none is steping up lol... seems like we are waiting for them to do it and make movies

[@l0vechas]

that’s the part that is getting to me most.

[@justme-ew3ri]

Aphua Larbi Because having allies that are the people people want to hear from and listen to is a bitch.....

[@fredrika27]

@@bluetsegaye Speak the truth! Why are we mad at a white woman who got the backing to make a black film! Where were our people in all this!? See if the black community was offended, someone should have stepped up and offered Zoe a film of her choice if she would stand down from the role of Nina! That's how you do business! But no, it's Zoe's fault all this happened!

[@kjb3221]

Zoe was sloppy seconds with the Nina Simone aspect. Mary was smart. She said “if you’re gonna tell the story, tell it right instead of cutting corners.” And look, they cut corners. Similar to the Aaliyah movie, even though Zendaya was too light for the casting as well, they cut corners and gave a bogus story. Don’t let anybody water or white down your story for “appeal”. Zoe is a clueless person of color who tried to play the game and failed.

[@thefactsaccordingtogabbie149]

I'm STILL made about that aaliyah movie and ut been 6-7 yrs later. And her mom and brother NOT making it better. She long over for a movie. You would think they would want to help these mofo get her story RIGHT. Be safe out here🙏

[@iriemonmon]

Girl! Thank you!! The girl that played Aaliyah in that movie is KNOWN for perpetuating colorism, Alexandra Shipp. She played Storm in the newer X Men movies and made similar comments to Zoe in this video. She got all pissed because black women and comic fans wanted a dark skinned woman to play Storm and follow the source material. Storm is a dark skinned woman, and Alexandra was too busy attempting to collect a check to open her eyes and see what's real.

[@kjb3221]

TheFactsAccordingToGabbie1791 they don’t want to be too much in the media because it’ll cause people to question her and their relationship with R Kelly, especially since the documentary came out. Her mom will never give the full story with that relationship and would rather stick with internal guilt because she wasn’t always there to protect her child.

[@kjb3221]

Ari Entyse I never even heard of her prior to the Aaliyah movie... but even then.. she’s just not memorable.

[@checkmattee222]

Periodtttt

[@anneshirleyduncan]

I'll never watch that movie. Because to me it's fiction. I'd rather spend my time and money on watching a documentary about her. That has her family's blessing on it. If she was a classy chick she would have said, no thank you. I don't look like her. And I don't have her family's blessing to portray her. It's not always about your acting abilities. Sometimes it's also about your integrity.

[@cmays3220]

Flex 😭 I'll never understand why he did that. Why he thought that was a good idea.

[@Nooooooooooooooooooooo7913]

I felt like I was losing brain cells while listening to Zoe Saldana speak

[@FUNNYMANERICWHITE]

lol 😂 same

[@barryemanuel48]

True, she made it worse. She shouldn't have taken the role.

[@moeshamitchell185]

I fast forward after a while and was disappointed in Sway for not questioning her unauthentic statements.

[@KeneishaFreckleton]

noooooooooooooooooo saaaaaaammmeee! I literally skipped her part .

[@LaLaKnight]

The self hate is real.

[@Chitownhomestead]

Gurlllll... she's a whole mess

[@amiamii423]

They say "i dont see color" yet they painted her darkskin

[@KimontheWeb]

Ami Amii I know right! If she doesn’t “see color” then she wouldn’t take a role that would require her to change her color.

[@Anonymousgirlie480]

You know who would be PERFECT for this role Michaela Coel from 'I May Destry You', I know she is British but damn those feauture from our ancestors are there.

[@mxhughes]

Not them either foreign blacks are strangers to us they use opportunities black americans fought for and shit on us in the process and tried to hide under the we black banner

[@becomingmyholyself3626]

I'm Dominican, and this is a real issue. I don't believe she should have taken the part, no because she wasn't black enough, but because she didn't fit the role. Nina wasn't a fictional character to turn into. There was plenty of other, as much as her, talented actresses; with more resemblance to Simone. I think, to this date, an actor should have knowledge as to when not to pick a role for a movie, especially when they don't identify with the character in that many levels; the historical trajectory, vision alignment, and more importantly when this icon has such an important role on their community (with which you don't identify neither). I love Zoe Saldana, but I don't believe this role was meant for her.

[@123terricam]

agree completely

[@skywalker6648]

i'm no. 50, lol.

[@X3N14]

She should not have taken the part because she is not Black but mixed. She doesn't look black and moreover doesn't even identify as black. How could she portay Nina right if she can't acknowledge let alone identify with her struggles? The girl had to put on blackface to do this, that should tell it all.

[@liceafilms]

X If I’m mixed I can’t represent myself as black? Thanks for letting me know

[@Clarahlovesyou]

PREMIER PC SOLUTIONS No ones saying you’re not black! She’s saying that Nina was a fully black women who should have been played by a fully black women. If there was a biopic for Zendaya y’all wouldn’t want Ryan destiny playing her.

[@BlackqueenSW_]

Notice how allll those Black actresses had the TOUGHEST TIME tryna find the words to nicely say , “hell nah , they know damn well she shouldn’t have been casted for that role” lmao . They all had the same look before answering too

[@N11-xr9pi1]

It was painful for them and they did not want to go in but show support but boy it was a master class in grace...

[@BlackqueenSW_]

NM Man ain’t that the truth !!

[@shantea528]

Noticed i laughed n also agreed with them

[@Khrys32]

Putting aside all the colorism - Zoe just doesn't have the chops to play a figure as profound and significant as the Late Great Nina Simone. And to add insult to injury - that half-assed makeup job they did in order for Zoe to have an even slight resemblance to Ms. Simone simply degrades and mocks her memory.

[@BlackqueenSW_]

Khrys32 I agree !! Speak on it then

[@btapann]

Viola Davis all the way! This lady is pure talent 💯Nina Simone deserved that!

[@Nat-mw3bz]

MICHAELA COEL!! Spitting image of Queen Nina!!

[@kaoshi_kutie]

@@Nat-mw3bz YEASSSS!! I was thinking the same 💁🏽‍♀️

[@noturbiz2827]

I think Lupita N'yongo, would have been amazing in this.

[@cadillacdeville5828]

I stopped being fond of her when she kept denying her CLEARLY African ancestry and other ignorant remarks.

[@dianewilkins6269]

Cadillac Deville wow I thought she was pro black

[@cadillacdeville5828]

@@dianewilkins6269 pandering and fake pro black is a thing.

[@tylerhackner9731]

The jokes honestly write themselves

[@TheMsklg1981]

Same here. I used to fully support her until then.

[@bubblybubbles4023]

That turned me off from her too.

[@jessicarichards9540]

Sheryl lee Ralph was soooo funny in her response. LMFAO

[@niasimone1740]

Jessica Richards lmaoooo

[@hayleymadisonllc2180]

Jessica Richards her facial expression had me busting our laughing

[@tylerhackner9731]

😂😂😂😂

[@ShawtySoMajorrr]

I love how she didn’t dance around it either when she answered

[@checkmateforever]

Yeah she had that “where should I start with this?” paused look on her face before she started talking.

[@PrettyInteresting4me]

Michaela Coel who wrote and starred in the series “Chewing Gum” should have played Nina Simone. She looks so much like Nina and she’s a great actress!

[@MochaLatta]

IKRRRRRR

[@shanda1219]

Anika Noni Rose, Uzo, Lauren Hill, India arie would've made more sense because they understand American anti-blackness.

[@302Notary-fingerprintboss]

Yellow Tulip Great choice! But can Michaela sing? India Arie also great! Viola Davis cool A. J. Johnson ( baby boy cast) Regina Hall not sure if she sings We only talk about color because Nina endured life as a dark brown sister. Facts Even Tiffany Haddish if she can accomplish the drama/:vocals Love Zoe saldana but not as Nina Simone

[@Toywins]

That would have been a good choice, I wonder how good of an American accent she has.

[@Toywins]

@@302Notary-fingerprintboss they don't have to sing necessarily, look at Angela Bassett playing Tina Turner!

[@nicholasdasilva34]

As a white amab, I PROMISE YOU, from my privelaged perspective, colorism is ABSOLUTELY a factor in so many ways people are seen as persons or not.