Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, an actress who recently secured a role in the upcoming production of Romeo & Juliet, has been the victim of “racist and misogynistic abuse” since the announcement of her casting. Tom Holland was also cast in the production, but it was Amewudah-Rivers who bore the brunt of the online abuse. The Jamie Lloyd Company put out a statement saying that any abuse of their cast members would be reported, adding that bullying has no place in their wider industry or communities.
More than 800 black artists signed an open letter published in The Guardian on 10 April, supporting the actress and condemning the “too familiar horror” of online abuse directed towards black and dark-skinned performers. Among those who signed the letter were Lashana Lynch, Freema Agyeman, and Wunmi Mosaku. The letter stresses the importance of standing in solidarity to protect black women performers from the targeted misogynoir and racist abuse they face. Theatre companies and broadcasters have been criticised for failing to offer sufficient support to artists facing abuse.
The production of Romeo & Juliet is due to run from May to August at the Duke Of York’s Theatre in London. The entire twelve-week run reportedly sold out within two hours of the tickets going on sale. There are plans to transfer the production to Broadway after the end of the London run. The Jamie Lloyd Company continues to work with its cast of extraordinary artists, who are committed to creating without facing damaging and demoralising harassment.
The outrage directed towards Amewudah-Rivers and other black performers highlights the ongoing systemic issues around racism, colourism, and misogyny in the entertainment industry. The hope is that by standing in support of Amewudah-Rivers and others who face online abuse, the industry will begin to take steps towards better supporting and protecting its most vulnerable members
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