Odessa A'zion Drops Out of 'Deep Cuts' Movie Following Whitewashing Controversy
After facing some intense backlash, Odessa A’zion has dropped out of A24′s upcoming movie adaption of Deep Cuts.
Earlier this week, it was announced that the 25-year-old actress, best known for her roles in Marty Supreme and I Love LA, had joined the cast of the Sean Durkin-directed movie starring opposite her rumored boyfriend Drew Starkey and Cailee Spaeny.
In the movie based on Holly Brickley‘s novel, Odessa was cast to play Zoe Gutierrez, who is of Mexican heritage and is Jewish.
Shortly after Odessa‘s casting was announced, many slammed the actress for taking on the role, since she is white and not Mexican.
Following the backlash over the whitewashing controversy, Odessa announced on Wednesday night (January 28) that she has dropped out of the project.
Keep reading to find out more…“Guys!! I am with ALL of you and I am NOT doing this movie,” Odessa began on her Instagram Story. “F–k that. I’m OUT.”
She continued, “THANK YOU guys for bringing this to my attention. I AGREE WITH EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU! This is why I love you guys.”
“Lemme make myself clear…I’m so so sorry that this happened. It is SO important for me to let you in how it all went down,” Odessa wrote. “I went in for Percy, but was offered Zoe instead and instantly said yes! I’m so pissed y’all, I hadn’t read the book and should have paid more attention to all aspects of Zoe before accepting…and now that I know what I know??? F–k that! IM OUT.”
“I’d never take a role from someone else that’s meant to do it. That SHOULD do it!” Odessa went on. “That’s not me. There are a plentitude of people more than capable of playing this role and I am NOT one of them. I can’t wait to see who it ends up being.”
She continued, “I was so excited I just said hell yeah cause I knew how much I loved the story so I was just down to be a part of it, and so excited to work with this group of people! But f–k thatttttt y’all never again.”
“I’ve been so busy with other work I was trying to carve out a time to reread, I wish I found that time sooner and clocked her name,” Odessa explained. “That’s all that’s mentioned in the script when I just finally did. Thank you thank you THANK YOU GUYS FOR LETTING ME KNOW!!!”
She concluded, “Still haven’t read the book but the story in the script is focused on Percy and Joe, so of course on my initial read that was my main focus as well. I was happy to be involved as a different role, but I just can not do it knowing more about Zoe now.”