Angie Thomas’s young adult novel that addresses Black Lives Matter, The Hate U Give, is in the process of being adapted into a movie!
However, a racist scandal is that last thing an actor in the movie can be hit with, and that’s exactly what has happened to their star, Kian Lawley.
Now, he’s being recast.
Kian became popular on YouTube, which is where an old racist video of his has resurfaced, causing all this mess.
In the movie, he was set to play the role of Amandla Stenberg’s boyfriend, Chris.
Variety reported on the video of Kian, where he uses the N-word and makes racist comments. It’s unclear when the video was filmed.
A spokesperson for Twentieth Century Fox Films told Variety, “Due to the controversy surrounding his past comments and behaviour, Kian Lawley will no longer appear in ‘The Hate U Give.’ The studio plans to recast the role of Chris and reshoot scenes as needed.
Now, Kian has addressed the issue, apologising to the world.
“To those that were effected by my choice of language,” he began, “I understand that I am in the public eye & have many supporters, but none of my actions that took place should be supported. Words have power and can do a lot damage. I own mine and I am sorry.”
“I respect Fox’s decision to recast this role for The Hate U Give as it is an important story, and it would not be appropriate for me to be involved considering the actions of my past. I understand the impact and I have grown a lot and learned since then.”
“With that being said, I am fully aware of the mistakes I have made and strive every day to become a better me than I was yesterday. We all have a voice, whether it’s big or small, we need to use it to spread love & light. From now on, I plan to use my voice for positive change.”
Angie has also addressed the issue on Twitter, writing that, “The past two weeks have been hell for me, but I’m the enemy. Y’all. I’ve been trying. You just don’t know.”
Deadline reports that she has actually been receiving major backlash from Kian’s fans.
“Y’all are screenshotting me and coming at my friends without knowing the details of the situation. There is so much more that you don’t know, and I’m honestly sad for you. But I’m unprofessional?
“Oh, only you knew half of what I’ve gone through because of this. Half of the tears that have been shed. The disappointment and heartbreak. Don’t assume, sweets. Everything I’ve Tweeted is out of sheer disappointment in someone I love. They know. I know. That’s all that matters.
“I’ve been hurt severely. But please, make me the bad guy. Please, call out black women and attack us. You have no clue what I’m dealing with.
“Feel free to love your fave. But know that there is a TON of pain associated with this, more than you know. If I subtweet, I subtweet. I do what I want on my Twitter because yep, I’m a grown woman.”
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