Here's Why Thandiwe Newton Is Apologizing to 'Dark-Skinned Actresses'

Thandiwe Newton has issued an emotional apology to dark-skinned actresses in Hollywood and beyond.

The Westworld actress, while talking with The Associated Press, opened up about the colorism she and others face in the industry.

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“I now realize that my internalized prejudice was stopping me from feeling like I could play this role when it’s precisely that prejudice that I’ve received,” Thandiwe told the outlet while discussing her latest role in God’s Country. “It doesn’t matter that it’s from African American women more than anyone else. I received prejudice. Anyone who’s received oppression and prejudice feels this character.”

That being said though, Thandiwe recognizes that she is picked over darker skinned actresses.

“I’ve wanted so desperately to apologize every day to darker-skinned actresses,” she says. “To say, ‘I’m sorry that I’m the one chosen.’ My mama looks like you…It’s been very painful to have women look like my mom feel like I’m not representing them.”

Thandiwe added, “That I’m taking from them. Taking their men, taking their work, taking their truth.”

“I do think that any women of color who, whether they are pale, or whatever, who have managed to help other actors, get into this business, we matter,” Newton said. “Whenever they say that Black women have watched the movie, and it’s really, really, really mattered to them, I just thank God that my light skin didn’t stop that from happening — that it didn’t cause more pain.”

Just recently, Thandiwe opened up about possibly retiring from acting.