Eiza Gonzalez is ‘deeply sorry and ashamed’ for wearing blackface on 2007 telenovela… but says she was ‘pressured against her will’ to do it
Eiza Gonzalez says she is ‘deeply sorry and ashamed’ after images of her wearing blackface recently resurfaced on the internet.
The Mexican actress, 30, apologized for her role on the telenovela Lola, Érase Una Vez in a statement to Page Six.
Eiza defended herself, explaining how she was ‘pressured’ into the racist costumer choice while a ’15-year-old child actor’ with no professional leverage.
Apologies: Eiza Gonzalez is ‘deeply sorry and ashamed’ after images of her wearing blackface recently resurfaced. She’s seen March 10 2020 above
No excuse: The actress, now 30, darkened herself while a 15-year-old actress working on her very first acting job for the telenovela Lola, Érase Una Vez
‘I am deeply sorry and ashamed about having worn blackface makeup shown in the images circulating,’ she told Page Six.
‘As a 15-year-old child actor on my first job in a Mexican telenovela, I was pressured against my will, and with no negotiating power, I could not advocate for myself in the situation.’
‘I wish I had the voice and knowledge then that I have now,’ she went on.
‘Pressured’: Eiza defended herself, explaining how she was ‘pressured’ into the racist costumer choice while a ’15-year-old child actor’ with no professional leverage
Eiza also acknowledged photos of her dressed as a Geisha, addressing claims she was guilty of cultural appropriation.
‘The other image in question is from a trip I took to Japan. According to my host, it is considered an intercultural exchange to dress up in their traditional clothing and makeup,’ Eiza said.
‘It is seen as an appreciation of their culture, however, I understand that out of context, this calls for a dialogue about contemporary cultural appropriation.’