An upcoming biopic about the father of Serena and Venus Williams has faced criticism amid reports that Will Smith will play the lead role.
Richard Williams, 77, coached his daughters to become two of the world’s greatest tennis players, despite having no previous experience of the game.
But Smith’s reported casting in the film has angered critics, who say he is too light-skinned for the part.
The actor has not yet commented on the reported casting or the criticism.
Colourism is a form of discrimination against dark-skinned people in favour of those with lighter skin from the same race.
Smith’s casting in the film has not been confirmed. However, after a report from Deadline News claimed that the 50-year-old actor was “poised to play” Mr Williams, many people expressed their anger on social media.
The criticism stems from the fact that Smith is significantly lighter than Mr Williams.
US-based sports writer Clarence Hill Jr tweeted that “colourism matters”, and said that Smith wasn’t the right choice.
Colorism matters..love will Smith but there are other black actors for this role https://t.co/qrV1QuBiJH
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) March 5, 2019
This sentiment was echoed by many others, who felt that giving the part to a dark-skinned actor would “make more sense”.
Why is he always cast in roles portraying dark skin men like there aren’t tons of black actors that would make more sense for the role? https://t.co/1VcZyCmwTK
— Pikliz Papi (@so_rudez) March 5, 2019
