Scarlett Johansson drops out of "Rub & Tug" amid backlash
Scarlett Johansson has dropped out of the upcoming film, "Rub & Tug," amid ongoing backlash for her plans to play the lead role of a transgender man. In statement to Out.com, Johansson said she has decided to "respectfully withdraw" her participation in the project.
"Our cultural understanding of transgender people continues to advance, and I've learned a lot from the community since making my first statement about my casting and realize it was insensitive. I have great admiration and love for the trans community and am grateful that the conversation regarding inclusivity in Hollywood continues," she said in the statement.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Johansson would play prostitution ring leader Dante "Tex" Gill, who was born Lois Jean Gill but identified as a man. Transgender actors and advocates immediately criticized the production for not casting a trans actor in the role.
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I don't recall Jared Leto being criticized for playing a trans woman in Dallas Buyer's Club, or Jeffrey Tambor in Transparent or Felicity Huffman in Transamerica. While there are quite a few trans actresses like Laverne Cox, there are only a handful of trans actors and none are well known. Actors are cast because of their acting ability, but also because of their box office draw. What will probably happen is that a cis gender male actor will be cast.
BTW, here is a pic of there real Dante "Tex" Gill.
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