Denzel Washington says no to love scene with Julia Roberts - because she’s white
First things first: is Denzel Washington not one of the most gorgeous men on the planet or WHAT. Just look at him. Holy Cow.
What was I talking about? Oh, yeah:
The ‘Déjà Vu’ actor was cast opposite the Oscar-winning actress in ‘The Pelican Brief’ on Roberts’ own insistence, but he refused to take part in the sex scene in the original script out of loyalty to his female African-American fans.
According to Newsweek journalist Allison Samuels’ new book ‘Off the Record’, Washington said: "Black women are not often seen as objects of desire on film. And they have always been my core audience."
Washington also revealed he turned down the lead role in ‘Love Field’ with Michelle Pfeiffer because of the film’s use of the word n****r.
He said: "It was n****r this and n****r that. I wasn’t going to be one of many n****rs in a film."
I appreciate where he’s coming from, but aren’t we kind of past all this? Let me know what you think in the comments.
Tags: denzel washington, julia roberts
Tags: What were they thinking?
13 opinions for Denzel Washington says no to love scene with Julia Roberts - because she’s white
Chris
Jan 4, 2007 at 14:06
No, we’re not past this. Black women are still the group least likely to marry. Black women unfortunately still sit at the bottom of the totem pole in terms of general desirability to the masses. Black men date and marry outside the race, leaving Black women with very few options for partners outside of all the other factors leaving Black men unavailable such as incarceration. Black love is not promoted in Hollywood and I applaud Denzel for making such a responsible choice.
sugar
Jan 4, 2007 at 15:30
Sounds like a racist to me.. pure and simple.. don’t try to put a positive spin on it.. a racist is a racist is a racist.. Let’s call a spade a spade.. oops..
Can you imagine of the tables were turned.. Julia would be blacklisted as a racist bitch…
Crystal1963
Feb 9, 2007 at 21:47
You can’t blame someone for not wanting to usa a derogative word for his own race. White people don’t do it either. I think he’s a wonderful actor -black, white or green. If her prefers a black woman, boy is she lucky;)
Rob
May 29, 2007 at 12:37
Hey Sugar, this one’s for u.
I am a black male. I LOVE Julia Roberts and many actors of many races. Still I applaud Denzel’s brave and sensitive stand.
I don’t know you. You could be a lowdown racist (black, white or otherwise) who knows better but just wants to come down on a black man who enjoys a very positive public image. I wonder how many times you have taken the effort to pointedly address the numerous examples of racial injustices committed against the unquestioned underdogs in this perpetual issue.
On the other hand you might be a genuinely great person who just happens to have overlooked or undervalued a very valid fact. It is simply WRONG to apply the exact same conditions to the victim as well as to the community-at-large (within fair limitations, of course).
Don’t starve a person, then criticize him/her for receiving charitable donations. Too many “fair-minded citizens” want minorities and the majority to live by the EXACT same rules -now that the majority STILLL reaps the benefits of ages of favored status. In other words, give me a head start, then run a fair race from this point forward!
C’mon Sugar… think about it. Would you like this if the shoe were on the other foot? Denzel seems to love Julia as a friend. He’s not advocating excluding whites from all of his work. Is it REALLY so bad for him to champion the historically maligned?
Rob
May 29, 2007 at 13:16
Sugar(?), I just re-read your post. “Oops” -I made a big mistake by trying to give you the benefit of the doubt. You ARE just a lowdown -and might I add low-class racist. Remember, REAL class ain’t about grammar!
If you call me a spade too -make it an ACE like Mr. Washington.
Jahi smith
Mar 31, 2008 at 16:20
Aren’t we pass this? LOL not hardly, as can be seen by the comments left. The bottom line is no matter how far we progress our society will always be one rooted in the racial insensitivity (to put it lightly) of our forefathers. The very fact that we have to ask “aren’t we pass this” proves it. I understand were Denzel is coming from. From a business stand point; how many black fans would he lose because he was in a love scene with a white women? Plus how many white fans would he lose because of that same reason. Actors/Actresses are crucified when they go over racial boundaries in movies. Why put himself in that situation…
dylan
May 10, 2008 at 10:20
if you think we’re over this, then you’re obviously not a part of it. not a part of having to deal with the subtle actions that people do to socially cast out those who are not part of the mainstream. people who think we’re over it are not sensitive to the issue and add to the problem.
Gillian
Oct 10, 2008 at 16:40
simple fact is if julia roberts said she wouldn’t kiss Denzel beacuse he is black she would be labeled a racist……denzel’s refusal to kiss her “because shes white” is a racist comment!!
Jahi smith
Oct 13, 2008 at 13:15
Gillian I understand your point… Big double standard, but we live in a world full of double standards. I didn’t create them and neither did you but we have to live with them.
jayne
Oct 25, 2008 at 16:36
I am a white woman who absolutely loves Denzil Washington but thinks that colour or race should not determine anything.Its important that minorities get equal opportunities.I find the word n…… appalling so therefore how much more would persons it is aimed at find it. I only wish i was a successful black actress as i would gladly substitute julia.
He obviusly feels strongly about it and why not?…doesnt mean he is racist,just trying to make a change.
jayne
Oct 25, 2008 at 17:07
oops spelling mistake…i mean ‘obviously’
Art
Oct 30, 2008 at 08:55
A lot of people don’t know it but before Julia Roberts became famous she dated black guys. She actually only dated black guys.I used to date a girl that has pictures of Julia and her brother on a there couch together.
Jahi smith
Oct 30, 2008 at 14:32
Yeah she even dated a black doctor (I believe) after her pretty woman role… I remember pictures in a magazine showing them on the beach. Someone must have got in her ear and told her that interracially dating would hurt her career… what a shame.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: