We live in a world where our voices are being praised more than ever before, which is why Scarlett Johansson, 34, has come under fire for - as a straight white woman - saying that she could play "any person".
This news comes a year after she was cast as Dante "Tex" Gill, a transmasculine man, in the true mob story Rub & Tub.
The actress was forced to withdraw from the role because of the controversy her casting generated, and has remained relatively silent about the issue since. However, in a new interview with As If, she opened up about what she described as "political correctness" and its influence on casting.
"You know, as an actor, I should be allowed to play any person, or any tree, or any animal because that is my job and the requirements of my job," she said, Vulture reported.
"I feel like it's a trend in my business and it needs to happen for various social reasons, yet there are times it does get uncomfortable when it affects the art because I feel art should be free of restrictions… I think society would be more connected if we just allowed others to have their own feelings and not expect everyone to feel the way we do."
Johansson's statement did not go down well on social media and she was mercilessly trolled:
However, the actress has since claimed that her words were edited by As If to turn them into "clickbait".
Vulture reported the actress saying:
"I recognize that in reality, there is a widespread discrepancy amongst my industry that favors Caucasian, cis-gendered actors and that not every actor has been given the same opportunities that I have been privileged to. I continue to support, and always have, diversity in every industry and will continue to fight for projects where everyone is included."
