

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.
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 spends most of her time writing about celebby things, reading books, and waiting for the glorious day that she have enough millions for a pet sloth. Also has a YouTube channel on the go where she pretends to know things about fashion and life advice.
-
Princess Charlotte Got a Personalized Soccer Shirt During Her Parents' Visit to Scotland
IT'S SO CUTE.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Hugged a Grandfather in Glasgow: "It Felt Like a Son Hugging a Father"
Oh great, now I'm sobbing.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Cast of 'The Circle' Season 4: Your Guide
Meet the social media mavens competing for this season's prize money.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Olivia Wilde's Movie Starring Harry Styles and Florence Pugh Officially Has a Release Date
Trying and failing not to scream.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Sandra Bullock Revealed the Movie She's Embarrassed About Making
Also Daniel Radcliffe was in two minds about 'Harry Potter.'
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors
-
Surprise! Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas Are Parents
They welcomed a baby via surrogate.
By Neha Prakash
-
Meghan and Harry Share First Photo of Their Daughter Lilibet Diana
The Sussex's holiday card is here!
By Rachel Epstein
-
The 50 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes Ever
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Alicia Keys Gets What She Wants
With her jazzy new album, Keys, the singer stopped worrying about everything except what matters: Her own opinion.
By Jessica Herndon