Halle Berry has apologised after being criticised for speaking about her interest in playing a transgender man in an upcoming film.
The Oscar-winning star said she had been preparing for the role before another project came up, during an Instagram Live.
The actor came under fire after saying she wanted to do a “deep dive” into “that world,” apparently a reference to the transgender community, and repeatedly referred to the character as a woman.
It led to allegations of misgendering, while others said any role involving a trans character should go to a trans actor.
The 53-year-old Monster’s Ball star has now apologised and said she should not have been considered for the part.
“Over the weekend I had the opportunity to discuss my consideration of an upcoming role as a transgender man and I’d like to apologise for those remarks,” she said.
“As a cisgender woman, I now understand that I should not have considered this role and that the transgender community should undeniably have the opportunity to tell their own stories.
“I am grateful for the guidance and critical conversation over the past few days and I will continue to listen, educate and learn from this mistake. I vow to be an ally in using my voice to promote better representation on-screen, both in front of and behind the camera.”
GLAAD, the LGBT advocacy group, welcomed her apology.
It said: “We are pleased that @halleberry listened to the concerns of transgender people and learned from them. Other powerful people should do the same.”
Halle’s comments come amid a renewed focus on representation in the entertainment industry, while trans rights have also been in the news following JK Rowling’s recent comments about trans people.
She has been criticised widely – including by many of the stars of Harry Potter – for her beliefs on biological sex, though the author has strongly denied allegations of transphobia.
Meanwhile, Netflix’s critically acclaimed documentary Disclosure has been praised for its exploration of trans characters in TV and film.
Useful websites and helplines:
- The Gender Trust supports anyone affected by gender identity | 01527 894 838
- Mermaids offers information, support, friendship and shared experiences for young people with gender identity issues | 0208 1234819
- LGBT Youth Scotland is the largest youth and community-based organisation for LGBT people in Scotland. Text 07786 202 370
- Gires provides information for trans people, their families and professionals who care for them | 01372 801554
- Depend provides support, advice and information for anyone who knows, or is related to, a transsexual person in the UK
