Eiza González apologizes for past use of blackface on telenovela: 'I was pressured against my will'
Eiza González is apologizing for her past use of blackface.
The Hobbs & Shaw actress — in headlines this week for her new romance with actor Timothée Chalamet — saw controversial images of herself resurface on social media. One with blackface was from the 30-year-old Mexican star’s time on the Spanish-language telenovela Lola, Érase una vez (Lola, Once upon a time) 15 years ago and the other, of her dressed like a geisha with lightened skin, was from a trip to Japan, she explained in an apology.
“I am deeply sorry and ashamed about having worn blackface makeup shown in the images circulating,” she said in a statement to the New York Post’s Page Six. “As a 15-year-old child actor on my first job in a Mexican telenovela, I was pressured against my will, and with no negotiating power, I could not advocate for myself in the situation. I wish I had the voice and knowledge then that I have now.”
She went on to explain the photo of herself dressed as a geisha with her face painted white.
“The other image in question is from a trip I took to Japan,” she said. “According to my host, it is considered an intercultural exchange to dress up in their traditional clothing and makeup. It is seen as an appreciation of their culture, however, I understand that out of context, this calls for a dialogue about contemporary cultural appropriation.”
González ended by saying, “As a Mexican woman and an immigrant, I have faced racism and ignorance throughout my life and career. I would never intentionally participate in anything that I knew would cause harm or distress to another person.
“More than gestures of apology, it is my responsibility to educate myself and use my voice to stand up for others. And again I deeply apologize for hurting anyone.”
Yahoo Entertainment has reached out to González’s rep for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
González, who also appeared in Baby Driver and will be in Godzilla vs. Kong, was spotted kissing Lady Bird actor Chalamet, 24, on a Mexican getaway in Cabo San Lucas over the weekend. They have yet to publicly address the romance rumors.
His fans have been among those posting the controversial images of González in an attempt to question if she is the right woman for him to date.
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