Scarlett Johansson Responds to 'Rub & Tug' Criticism With a Tone-Deaf Statement

Her spokesperson issued a biting, and inappropriate, response.

Scarlett Johansson
(Image credit: Getty Images)

This week, Twitter eye-rolled itself into oblivion when it emerged that Scarlett Johansson would take on the role of a transgender man in upcoming biopic Rub & Tug—and the actress responded to the backlash with a tone-deaf statement Wednesday.

Deadline initially broke the news that the Avengers star will controversially play the part of '70s Pittsburgh crime boss Dante "Tex" Gill. Johansson’s questionable decision to take on the role comes just a year after the 2017 adaptation of Ghost In The Shell, which saw her play a famously Asian part and single-handedly spark a huge debate about whitewash casting across the Hollywood movie industry.

In fact, the actress is pairing up with the same director for Rub &. She and Rupert Sanders will work together again for this new movie, telling the “fact-based story” of the transgender massage parlor mogul.

And what could make this whole situation brighter than a thoughtless response? A representative for the actress has now fired out at the backlash, telling Bustle that the complaints aimed at Scarlett are misdirected.

"Tell them that they can be directed to Jeffrey Tambor, Jared Leto, and Felicity Huffman's reps for comment," the spokesperson said in a statement, name-checking other cisgender actors who have played transgender roles. These include Huffman in Transamerica, and Leto's Oscar-winning performance in Dallas Buyers Club.

Red carpet, Clothing, Dress, Carpet, Shoulder, Premiere, Flooring, Fashion model, Fashion, Gown,

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Unsurprisingly, news of the casting had been met with fury online even before Johansson's tone-deaf response. Critics have blasted Johansson and Sanders for essentially repeating their same ignorance, seemingly undeterred by the reaction to Ghost In The Shell. Ahh yes, let’s follow up our last insensitive lack of representation by popping a cis woman into the role of a transgender man. You got it, guys.

Wow, I’m tired.

RELATED STORY
Lucy Wood

Lucy Wood spends most of her time writing about celebrity news, reading books, and waiting for the glorious day that she have enough millions for a pet sloth. She also has a YouTube channel on the go where she pretends to know things about fashion and life advice.

Latest in Celebrity
Princess Madeleine of Sweden wearing a tiara featuring emeralds
Why Princess Madeleine of Sweden Can't Use Her Royal Title to Promote Her New Skincare Line
Queen Camilla has blonde hair and is wearing a dark green shirt dress
Why Queen Camilla Has Been Issued a "Strict" Warning Regarding Her Meeting With the Pope
Benny Blanco in a purple shirt with a white tank top underneath and Selena Gomez in a black dress backstage at The Tonight Show in March 2025
Selena Gomez Says She’s "Excited" to Become a Mom Someday in Joint Interview with Benny Blanco
Meghan Markle wears blue denim jeans
Meghan Markle Confirms Skinny Jeans Are Back by Finally Revealing Her Favorite Frame Denim
Carole Middleton has blonde hair and laughs while shopping with daughter Kate Middleton
How Carole Middleton Might Step Up to Support Princess Kate Following Previous Controversies
Ben Affleck in a black suit and Jennifer Lopez in a gown with a silver sequined sheer skirt and black strapless bodice with long black gloves at the premiere of This Is Me Now... A Love Story in February 2024
Ben Affleck Opens Up About His Divorce From Jennifer Lopez for the First Time
Latest in News
Selena Gomez wears a cropped blazer and matching trousers while attending the Drew Barrymore show in New York City
Selena Gomez Is the Cropped Blazer Trend's Final Boss
Princess Madeleine of Sweden wearing a tiara featuring emeralds
Why Princess Madeleine of Sweden Can't Use Her Royal Title to Promote Her New Skincare Line
Rihanna in a head scarf and multiple necklaces
Rihanna’s Jamaica Manicure Will Unite the Caribbean
Queen Camilla has blonde hair and is wearing a dark green shirt dress
Why Queen Camilla Has Been Issued a "Strict" Warning Regarding Her Meeting With the Pope
Benny Blanco in a purple shirt with a white tank top underneath and Selena Gomez in a black dress backstage at The Tonight Show in March 2025
Selena Gomez Says She’s "Excited" to Become a Mom Someday in Joint Interview with Benny Blanco
Bella Hadid leaves her hotel wearing a cardigan with the studded bag trend and straight-leg jeans
Bella Hadid Carries the Studded Bag Trend Into the Spotlight With a Boho-Chic Valentino Tote