Hollywood starlet Scarlett Johansson has opted out of a role in which she was going to play a transgender man following strong backlash from the LGBT community.
The Avengers (2012) star was set to play 1970s Pittsburgh crime boss Dante "Tex" Gill, who was born Jean Gill, in Rub & Tug. According to media reports, the actor was criticised by those who said the role should have gone to a transgender actor.
"I've learned a lot from the community since making my first statement," Johansson said. "While I would have loved the opportunity to bring Dante's story and transition to life, I understand why many feel he should be portrayed by a transgender person."
The original announcement was met with intense criticism and sparked a huge debate across the community; about limited opportunities being given to transgender actors. "I am thankful that this casting debate... has sparked a larger conversation about diversity and representation in film," she added.
Stars of Amazon series Transparent, Trace Lysette, said it was representative of a wider problem in Hollywood. "I wouldn't be as upset if I was getting in the same rooms as Jennifer Lawrence and Scarlett for cis roles, but we know that's not the case," she tweeted. "A mess. (sic.)"
Interestingly, this is not the first time the actor has been criticised for taking on a role. Earlier in 2016, she was accused of "whitewashing" after being cast in the Hollywood remake of the Japanese anime Ghost in the Shell; where she played a character that was originally written as Asian.