Sia Defends Choice to Cast Maddie Ziegler as Autistic Character in 'Music'
Sia is defending her decision to cast Maddie Ziegler as a character with autism in her upcoming movie Music.
Following the trailer’s release last month, Sia faced criticism for casting a non-autistic actress, Maddie, as a character with autism, as well as partnering with Autism Speaks, a company that has faced controversy and condemnation for alleged exploitative practices in the past.
“There is no way I could have used someone of Maddie’s level of functioning to play her,” Sia said during an interview on Wednesday (Decmeber 16) with an Australian publication (via ET). “I also needed a dancer, for [the character’s] imaginary life.”
Here’s a synopsis of the movie: Zu (Kate Hudson) is newly sober when she receives news that she is to become the sole guardian of her half-sister named Music (Ziegler), a young girl on the autism spectrum. The film explores two of Sia’s favorite themes: finding your voice and creating family.
Click inside to see how Sia originally responded to the backlash back in November…
Grrrrrrrrrr. Fuckity fuck why don’t you watch my film before you judge it? FURY.
— sia (@Sia) November 20, 2020
I cast thirteen neuroatypical people, three trans folk, and not as fucking prostitutes or drug addicts but s as doctors, nurses and singers. Fucking sad nobody’s even seen the dang movie. My heart has always been in the right place.
— sia (@Sia) November 20, 2020
I did try. It felt more compassionate to use Maddie. That was my call.
— sia (@Sia) November 20, 2020
Autism speaks came on board long after the film was finished, four years in fact. I had no idea it was such a polarizing group!
— sia (@Sia) November 20, 2020
Duh. I spent three fucking years researching, I think that’s why I’m so fucking bummed.
— sia (@Sia) November 20, 2020
Maybe you’re just a bad actor.
— sia (@Sia) November 20, 2020