Explained: The Controversy Over Casting Of Juliet Opposite Tom Holland's Romeo

Tom Holland has not publicly addressed the controversy surrounding Francesca Amewudah-Rivers' casting

Several prominent Black actors, including Lashana Lynch and Susan Wokoma, have signed an open letter condemning the abuse faced by Francesca Amewudah-Rivers following her casting as Juliet in a West End production of Romeo & Juliet. The letter, organised by Wokoma and writer Somalia Nonyé Seaton, has garnered over 880 signatures till now. It highlights the racist and misogynistic abuse directed at Francesca Amewudah-Rivers and calls for support and recognition of Black performers facing such harassment.

The letter read, "When news of Francesca Amewudah-Rivers' casting in Jamie Lloyd's production of Romeo & Juliet was announced so many people celebrated and welcomed this news. Many of us took to social media to shower our baby sis with love and congratulations- a huge deal for someone so young in their career. A huge rising talent. But then what followed was a too familiar horror that too many of us visible-skinned performers have experienced. The racist and misogynistic abuse directed at such a sweet soul has been too much to bear. For a casting announcement of a play to ignite such twisted ugly abuse is truly embarrassing for those so empty and barren in their own lives that they must meddle in hateful abuse.

The letter added, "Too many times Black performers - particularly Black actresses - are left to face the storm of online abuse after committing the crime of getting a job on their own. Too many times theatre companies, broadcasters, producers, steamers have failed to offer any help or support when their black artists face racist and misogynistic abuse. Reporting is too often left on the shoulders of the abused who are also then expected to promote said show."