Black Actors Show Support for Francesca Amewudah-Rivers Amid ‘Ugly’ Racial ‘Romeo & Juliet’ Backlash

We don’t know who needs to hear this but: Francesca Amewudah-Rivers is going to be our Juliet. Just like Halle Bailey is our Ariel, and Brandy is our Cinderella.

Despite what racist trolls online have tried to say about her looks, talent and whatever other BS excuse they can think of—this gem of an artist, best known for her work in “Bad Education,” is going to knock folks’ socks off in this upcoming rendition. And to help undergird her efforts, over 800 Black women and non-binary actors have rallied together to call out those misogynistic bullies, as seen in an open letter published by The Guardian on Wednesday:

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“Too many times, Black performers – particularly Black actresses – are left to face the storm of online abuse after committing the crime of getting a job on their own,” the letter read in part. It went on to describe how the initial news of Francesca’s casting was met with congratulations and love for her but it quickly turned sour due to the racist backlash.

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“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. Many of us took to social media to shower our baby sis with love and congratulations – a huge deal for someone so young in their career. A huge rising talent. But then what followed was a too familiar horror that many of us visible Black dark skinned performers have experienced,” the letter read. “The racist and misogynistic abuse directed at such a sweet soul has been too much to bear. For a casting announcement of a play to ignite such twisted ugly abuse is truly embarrassing for those so empty and barren in their own lives that they must meddle in hateful abuse.”

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It continued:

“Too many times theatre companies, broadcasters, producers and streamers have failed to offer any help or support when their Black artists face racist or misogynistic abuse. Reporting is too often left on the shoulders of the abused, who are also then expected to promote said show.

We want to send a clear message to Francesca and all Black women performers who face this kind of abuse – we see you. We see the art you manage to produce with not only the pressures that your white colleagues face but with the added traumatic hurdle of misogynoir. We are so excited to watch you shine.”

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Notable signatories inlcude Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Wunmi Mosaku, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Sarah Niles, Sophie Wilde and more. “Romeo and Juliet,” starring Tom Holland and Fracesca Amewudah-Rivers debuts at The Duke of York Theatre in London on May 11.

It will complete its run on August 3 and is set to head across the pond to Broadway immediately after. Tickets for all the dates in the U.K are sold out, per Deadline.