Actress Eiza Gonzalez has apologised for wearing blackface while appearing on a telenovela more than a decade ago, stating she was ‘pressured against [her] will’.
The 30-year-old actress, who is said to be dating actor Timothee Chalamet, found herself at the centre of a race row when photos of her wearing blackface on the show Lola, Érase Una Vez in 2007, began circulating on social media.
Explaining how she came to wear blackface, Eiza said she was unable to speak up for herself as she was underage.
In a statement released to Page Six, Eiza said: ‘I am deeply sorry and ashamed about having worn blackface makeup in images circulating.
‘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.’
Eiza went on to address other photos of her from a trip to Japan which saw her wearing traditional geisha clothing.
The Baby Driver star went on: ‘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.’
Sharing her own experiences with discrimination, Eiza revealed: ‘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 apologise for hurting anyone.’
Eiza has been actively supporting the Black Lives Matter movement in recent weeks and attended protests in Los Angeles earlier this month.
She shared a black square for Blackout Tuesday and stated: ‘I’m listening,’ while sharing BLM advocacy links.
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