Rita Moreno Apologizes for "Dismissing" Afro-Latinos While Defending 'In the Heights' Casting
Rita Moreno is apologizing for her previous comments regarding Lin-Manuel Miranda and the In the Heights colorism controversy.
On Tuesday, Moreno appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and caused a stir on social media with her comments regarding critiques surrounding the film. In recent days, people have taken to social media to call out the film's lack of darker-skinned, Afro-Latinx actors in leading roles, which led to Miranda, a producer on the film, issuing a statement apologizing for his oversight in casting. During Moreno's late-night appearance, the 89-year-old actress initially claimed that the criticism wasn't warranted and that Latinos should feel grateful for the piece of work Miranda created.
"Well I'm simply saying, can't you just wait a while and leave it alone?" Moreno said when asked to weigh in on the criticism. "There's a lot of people who are Puertorriqueños, who are also from Guatemala, who are dark and who are also fair. We are all colors in Puerto Rico. And this is how it is, and it would be so nice if they hadn't come up with that and left it alone, just for now. I mean, they're really attacking the wrong person."
Twitter was quick to dismiss Moreno's comments, however, with many who consider themselves fans of the iconic actress expressing their disappointment in her defending the less-than-inclusive casting.
I love Rita Moreno but this is the opposite of it. We have had a century of movie roles being reserved for the lightest skinned Latino, Black & Asian ppl. This is not breaking new ground & there is nothing for dark skinned ppl to be waiting for https://t.co/fAw9w1qn9g
— DEFUND & ABOLISH POLICE, REFUND OUR COMMUNITIES (@BreeNewsome) June 16, 2021
Colbert even tried to throw Rita Moreno a line. She doubled down instead. This is how the status quo is preserved. https://t.co/WOXJ0zAZCI
— Natasha S. Alford (@NatashaSAlford) June 16, 2021
Rita Moreno opened her mouth and my abuelita spoke through her. Disappointed, but not actually surprised. Because having HER, of all people, dismiss the colorism problem in the latine community basically shows how deep it runs.
— Lissete Lanuza Sáenz (@lizziethat) June 16, 2021
*light skinned people cast in 3736636278383663727 latino tv/film projects*
*backlash erupts after light skinned people cast in film about predominately afro-latinx neighborhood*
rita moreno: “you can never do right, it seems”— jules (@thecityofjules) June 16, 2021
Rita Moreno walked so Gina Rodriguez could run so Rita Moreno could fly
— los tostones interestelares (@tostongalactico) June 16, 2021
Moreno quickly retracted her statement, sharing a new message on Twitter and apologizing for her comments.
I’m incredibly disappointed with myself. While making a statement in defense of Lin-Manuel Miranda on the Colbert Show last night, I was clearly dismissive of black lives that matter in our Latin community. It is so easy to forget how celebration for some is lament for others.
— Rita Moreno (@TheRitaMoreno) June 17, 2021
In addition to applauding Lin for his wonderful movie version of In The Heights, let me add my appreciation for his sensitivity and resolve to be more inclusive of the Afro-Latino community going forward. See, you CAN teach this old dog new tricks - RITA
— Rita Moreno (@TheRitaMoreno) June 17, 2021
"I'm incredibly disappointed with myself," the actress tweeted. "While making a statement in defense of Lin-Manuel Miranda on the Colbert Show last night, I was clearly dismissive of black lives that matter in our Latin community. It is so easy to forget how celebration for some is lament for others. In addition to applauding Lin for his wonderful movie version of In The Heights, let me add my appreciation for his sensitivity and resolve to be more inclusive of the Afro-Latino community going forward. See, you CAN teach this old dog new tricks - RITA."
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