The actress Fernanda Torres 59, publicly apologized for using “blackface ” in a scene shown by the program Fantastic there is almost 20 years . The scene, which circulated again on the internet, shows the Golden Globe winner playing a maid, with her body painted black.
“Almost 20 years ago, I appeared wearing blackface in a comedy sketch on a Brazilian TV show. I’m so sorry about that . I am making this statement because it is important for me to address this quickly to avoid further pain and misunderstanding “, said the star in a statement sent to the Deadline portal.
The actress explained that, at the time, public understanding in Brazil about the racist connotation and historical weight of “blackface” – when white people paint themselves black to play black roles – was limited.
“At that time, despite the efforts of black movements and organizations, awareness about the racist history and symbolism of blackface had not yet reached the understanding of the general public in Brazil . Thanks to better cultural understanding and important, if incomplete, achievements in this century, it is very clear now in our country and everywhere that blackface is never acceptable “, he pointed out.
Torres – who was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actress category for her role in the film “I’m Still Here”, by Walter Salles – believes that the issue is important to prevent racist practices from being naturalized.
“As an artist and global citizen, and with an open heart, I remain attentive and committed to the search for essential changes to live in a world free from inequality and racism “, he concluded.
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This content was originally published in Fernanda Torres apologizes for “blackface” in a sketch from 20 years ago on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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