Will Smith 'casting as Richard Williams' sparks colourism debate
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2019 March 08
Will Smith 'casting as Richard Williams' sparks colourism debate
An upcoming biopic about the father of Serena and Venus Williams has faced criticism amid reports that Will Smith will play the lead role.
Richard Williams, 77, coached his daughters to become two of the world's greatest tennis players, despite having no previous experience of the game.
But Smith's reported casting in the film has angered critics, who say he is too light-skinned for the part.
The actor has not yet commented on the reported casting or the criticism.
Colourism is a form of discrimination against dark-skinned people in favour of those with lighter skin from the same race.
It can lead to a lack of representation in film, TV and fashion, particularly in Hollywood and Bollywood, as well as discrimination at work or on dating sites, and even to serious health problems from skin bleaching creams.
bbc
An upcoming biopic about the father of Serena and Venus Williams has faced criticism amid reports that Will Smith will play the lead role.
Richard Williams, 77, coached his daughters to become two of the world's greatest tennis players, despite having no previous experience of the game.
But Smith's reported casting in the film has angered critics, who say he is too light-skinned for the part.
The actor has not yet commented on the reported casting or the criticism.
Colourism is a form of discrimination against dark-skinned people in favour of those with lighter skin from the same race.
It can lead to a lack of representation in film, TV and fashion, particularly in Hollywood and Bollywood, as well as discrimination at work or on dating sites, and even to serious health problems from skin bleaching creams.
bbc
