Star Wars’ John Boyega says black actors should stop complaining about the lack of diversity.
John Boyega said non-white actors should not complain about the lack of diversity in Hollywood. In fact, he suggested non-white actors should “be the change” instead of complaining.
John Boyega won several awards last weekend, picking up an award for best male performance at the Screen Nation Awards. And during his acceptance speech, he made reference to the ongoing debate surrounding diversity in the film industry, saying complaining about the problem “is not going to benefit us.”
He said, “To complain about what is going on is not going to benefit us. It is not. Be the change you want to be. Be the change. And continue and focus. Thank you so much.”
However, his speech ended up pissing off a ton of people. And many people took to Twitter to express their frustration with the Star Wars stars.
@JohnBoyega dismissing legitimate grievances as “complaining” because your narrative has been different? Should’ve just kept quiet.
— zathan (@UCNathan) March 20, 2016
Being black most of the time u will put in double the work, for half the merit… That’s not complaining, that’s real life. @JohnBoyega
— Meagan_no_Good (@Jada_london) March 20, 2016
Historically, complaining has changed laws, given people a voice, and created spaces for idiots like @JohnBoyega. https://t.co/Lvu35Bp2V6
— Aaron the Ophiuchan (@swindellium) March 20, 2016
The criticism was so bad that it led to John taking to Twitter later in the evening to explain his comments and offer a public apology.
Regarding my comments at the screen nation awards (just to clarify) I am not saying that complaints are invalid or should not be heard
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) March 20, 2016
I am saying that words without action can’t help right now. I agree that we need to be heard but some do the talking and no work.
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) March 20, 2016
But I do agree ! I didn’t clarify. I was full of emotion receiving the award and just wanted to say that there was work to be done.
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) March 20, 2016
I’m not in this position without the people that champion me. I was in Peckham struggling not too long ago. I’m not above anyone X love
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) March 20, 2016
Really feel bad for not clarifying and quite fearful that I’ve mislead many. Not about respectability tactics. I’m really sorry X
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) March 20, 2016
Apparently, the public apology was good enough for many people to fall back in love with the actor.
@JohnBoyega Everyone makes mistakes, sir. Thanks for all your hard work!
— Dafydd Williams (@pipequanta) March 20, 2016
