Actress Scarlett Johansson is criticizing the media for what she says was a sinister edit of an answer she gave about political correctness in Hollywood.
The published quote in the Daily Mail, which was cheered by conservatives, read as follows.
“You know, as an actor I should be allowed to play any person, or any tree, or any animal because that is my job and the requirements of my job," she told contemporary artist David Salle. "I feel like it’s a trend in my business and it needs to happen for various social reasons, yet there are times it does get uncomfortable when it affects the art because I feel art should be free of restrictions.”
You may remember just a few years back when the LGBT community criticized Johansson for accepting the role of a transgender man in the film, "Rub & Tug." They wondered why she - a straight, white woman - should be granted the role over an actual trans actor. She would soon remove herself from the project, adding how much she admired the trans community and that she appreciated the conversation they could have about inclusivity. Yet her latest conversation with As If appears to be a "reversal" of the gracious attitude she showed last year, according to IndieWire.
That's why Johansson is now accusing the media of taking her words out of context in hopes of generating some juicy click bait.
“The question I was answering in my conversation with the contemporary artist, David Salle, was about the confrontation between political correctness and art,” she continues. “I personally feel that, in an ideal world, any actor should be able to play anybody and Art, in all forms, should be immune to political correctness. That is the point I was making, albeit didn’t come across that way. I recognize that in reality, there is a wide spread discrepancy amongst my industry that favors Caucasian, cis gendered actors and that not every actor has been given the same opportunities that I have been privileged to. I continue to support, and always have, diversity in every industry and will continue to fight for projects where everyone is included.”
As If proceeded to publish their full conversation with the actress.
Next year, Johansson will star in Black Widow, based off her Avengers character, Natasha Romanoff.