Jenny Slate apologizes for playing black character in Netflix cartoon

Jenny Slate goes deep through the dust on Instagram. She quits her role in the NEtflix-cartoon Big Mouth vanwege Black Lives Matter.

In the United States, there are still demonstrations against police brutality against black people and racism. The racism discussion has already reached Hollywood. Several films and series in which a black painted person is sitting are removed from streaming services. Now that trend also seems to have spread to the cartoons of various services.

Jenny Slate in Big Mouth

Actress Jenny Slate has decided to quit the role of Missy in the animated series Big Mouth, which has been shown on Netflix since 2017. Although the fourth season has already been shot, the actress is replaced after that. The reason is the discussion about black characters in series and films. “Since the show started, I wondered if it was okay to play Missy. Her mother is Jewish and white like me, but Missy is also black. Black characters in animation series should be played by black people, ”says Slate.

She continues in her post. “I recognize that my original explanation is too flawed, it is an example of white privilege and incorrect assumptions made in a system of social white rule. Quitting this role is a step in a lifelong process of uncovering my racism. ” She apologizes to everyone she has hurt with the role.

The creators of the series have also responded to the decision. They support State and say they fully agree with her. They also apologize for their original decision to speak a white person into the voice of a colored character.

Kristen Bell is also leaving

Slate is not alone in making this decision. Also an actress Kristen Bell has decided to stop speaking a character in the Central Park animated series. He was also colored and has a white mother and black father.