Scarlett Johansson drops out of "Rub & Tug" amid backlash [View all]
Scarlett Johansson has dropped out of the upcoming film, "Rub & Tug," amid ongoing backlash for her plans to play the lead role of a transgender man. In statement to Out.com, Johansson said she has decided to "respectfully withdraw" her participation in the project.
"Our cultural understanding of transgender people continues to advance, and I've learned a lot from the community since making my first statement about my casting and realize it was insensitive. I have great admiration and love for the trans community and am grateful that the conversation regarding inclusivity in Hollywood continues," she said in the statement.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Johansson would play prostitution ring leader Dante "Tex" Gill, who was born Lois Jean Gill but identified as a man. Transgender actors and advocates immediately criticized the production for not casting a trans actor in the role.
Read the rest at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/scarlett-johansson-transgender-role-rub-and-tug-drops-out-today-2018-07-13/