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 tasteless role on the telenovela Lola, Érase Una Vez in a statement to Page Six.
Eiza defended herself by explaining how she was ‘pressured’ into the racist costume 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 about images from the 2007 episode.
‘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.
Eiza also acknowledged photos of her dressed as a geisha, addressing claims she was guilty of cultural appropriation.
‘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
Powerless: ‘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
‘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.’
Gonzalez, a native of Mexico, went on to tell Page Six how she’s experienced racism ‘throughout my life and career’ and would never want to ‘intentionally participate in anything that I knew would cause harm or distress to another person.’
‘More than gestures of apology, it is my responsibility to educate myself and use my voice to stand up for others. And again I deeply apologize for hurting anyone.’
Questionable: Eiza also acknowledged photos of her dressed as a geisha, addressing claims she was guilty of cultural appropriation
New flame? Images of Eiza in blackface quickly emerged after the Baby Driver actress was photographed locking lips with Timothée Chalamet this week. He’s seen in October 2019 above
Images of Eiza in blackface quickly emerged after the Baby Driver actress was photographed locking lips with Timothée Chalamet this week.
Fans of the Lady Bird actor took to social media to share photos of Gonzalez’s racist role.
‘@RealChalamet remember when @eizamusica did black face!?’ one Timmy fan tweeted. ‘Yeah disgusting #eizagonzalez.’
Another expressed their disapproval saying: ‘So Timothée Chalamet is apparently hanging out and kissing Eiza González in Cabo [right now].
‘She has worn blackface and culturally appropriates without apologizing. I’m sorry but that ain’t it.’
Before igniting relationship rumors with Eiza, Chalamet was linked to model Lily-Rose Depp.
News of their break-up emerged in late April, but the pair were last spotted together in fall of 2019.
Eiza has been linked to Josh Duhamel, Liam Hemsworth, Maluma, Calvin Harris, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Exes and ohs: Before igniting relationship rumors with Eiza, Chalamet was linked to model Lily-Rose Depp, seen together during their September 2019 red carpet debut above
Making amends: Jimmy Kimmel apologized for darkening his skin in sketches impersonating Snoop Dogg, NBA star Karl Malone and Oprah
Eiza is only the most recent celeb to get called out over their use of blackface.
Just yesterday ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel apologized for darkening his skin in sketches impersonating Snoop Dogg, NBA star Karl Malone and Oprah.
Fellow late night host Jimmy Fallon apologized for his use of blackface while an SNL castmember earlier this month during a conversation with NAACP president Derrick Johnson.
NBC recently removed four 30 Rock episodes featuring blackface from streaming services. The network also pulled three episodes of Scrubs for the same reason.
Yikes: NBC recently removed four 30 Rock episodes featuring blackface from streaming services. The network also pulled an episode of Scrubs for the same reason