Tom Holland is facing criticism for not standing up for his "Romeo and Juliet" co-star, Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, who was recently the target of "a barrage of deplorable racial abuse" online.
The West End production of William Shakespeare's renowned play is set to run at the Duke of York's Theatre in London from May 11 through August 3. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, the tragedy will have the "Spider-Man" and "Bad Education" actors playing the star-crossed lovers.
Highlights
- Tom Holland was criticized for silence on racial abuse toward his co-star, Francesca Amewudah-Rivers.
- Francesca Amewudah-Rivers faced racial abuse after being cast as Juliet Capulet in the new Romeo and Juliet play directed by Jamie Lloyd.
- Over 800 Black women and non-binary actors have publicly supported Francesca in an open letter.
Soon after the Black British actress was cast as Juliet, some groups began making racist comments about Francesca being chosen as the play's female protagonist.
Image credits: Francesca Amewudah-Rivers
The abuse was so intense that it led the play's producer, Jamie Lloyd Company, to issue a statement condemning the situation, saying, "Following the announcement of our 'Romeo & Juliet' cast, there has been a barrage of deplorable racial abuse online directed towards a member of our company. This must stop."
"We are working with a remarkable group of artists. We insist that they are free to create work without facing online harassment. We will continue to support and protect everyone in our company at all costs.
"Any abuse will not be tolerated and will be reported. Bullying and harassment have no place online, in our industry, or in our wider communities."
In light of the racist remarks, people have urged the play's male protagonist to raise his voice in support of his co-star.
The actress is set to play the female protagonist in the new West End production of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
Image credits: The Jamie Lloyd Company
Arséma Thomas, who played the young Lady Agatha Danbury in the popular Netflix series "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story," has taken to social media to add support.
The actress used her Instagram account to share a message by HBO star Selina Jones that reads, "You lot need to put pressure on @tomholland2023's head top. I need my guy to say something, ANYTHING, about the disgusting racial abuse being thrown at our angel Fran."
While Tom has yet to address the situation, Francesca received the support of over 800 Black women and non-binary actors who have signed an open letter condemning the "racist and misogynistic abuse" she experienced.
Tom Holland, who will play Romeo, is facing criticism for not standing up for his co-star
Image credits: The Jamie Lloyd Company
"When news of Francesca Amewudah-Rivers' casting in Jamie Lloyd's production of 'Romeo & Juliet' was announced, so many people celebrated and welcomed this news," the letter published in The Guardian on Wednesday (April 10) begins.
"But then what followed was a too familiar horror that many of us visible Black dark skinned performers have experienced. The racist and misogynistic abuse directed at such a sweet soul has been too much to bear."
Among the 883 signatories are Lashana Lynch ("No Time to Die"), Sheila Atim ("The Woman King"), Marianne Jean-Baptiste ("Secrets & Lies"), Lolly Adefope ("Ghosts"), Freema Agyeman ("Doctor Who"), Wunmi Mosaku ("His House"), and Tamara Lawrance ("The Silent Twins").
The letter continues: "We want to send a clear message to Francesca and all Black women performers who face this kind of abuse: WE see you."
"And to the keyboard warriors who feel discomfort in Our visibility, cry on the internet all you want, but We are here to stay."