HBO Responds to 'Lovecraft Country' Actress' Claim That Makeup Artists Darkened Her Skin Color
HBO has released a statement in response to a Lovecraft Country actress’ claim that makeup artists darkened her skin color while on set.
Kelli Amirah made a brief appearance in the series while playing the younger version of a character for a throwback wedding photo.
In a TikTok video released last month, Kelli said that she overheard makeup artists saying that she was a “little lighter” than the other actress, but had the right facial features. She says she then noticed her makeup “getting darker and darker.”
“Before I show these pictures, I’m going to preface this by saying I was so uncomfortable,” Kelli said. “I had no idea they were going to do this to me beforehand. And if I knew beforehand, I would not have accepted this job. Who thought this was a good idea?”
Click inside to see the video and read HBO’s response…
@kelliamirah Reply to @selahhassni they really did me like Zoe saldana as Nina Simone ##storytime ##extra ##backgroundactor ##tvfilm ##blackfishing ##onset ##part2
A spokesperson for HBO told People, “We were very disappointed to learn of Ms. Amirah‘s experience. This should not have happened, and we are taking steps to ensure this doesn’t occur again in the future.”
Lovecraft Country has been a critically acclaimed hit for HBO and the first season was nominated for Best Television Series – Drama at the Golden Globes last month.
See some tweets that Kelli wrote the other day below.
There was no mention of me being too light when I was caster nor when I went in for my fitting days before. And it wasn’t until I was in the chair that I overheard the muas discussing it
— Ffrenchie thee (slim) Stallion✨ (@TheKelliAmirah) March 6, 2021
So here I am, in the makeup trailer of a major network production with the lead stars of the show, and they’re putting me in blackface
— Ffrenchie thee (slim) Stallion✨ (@TheKelliAmirah) March 6, 2021
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