Scarlett Johansson faces controversy over choice of roles

American actress Scarlett Johansson has once again stepped into a controversy. The actress in an interview with As If magazine, made a bold comment on the choice of roles she plays, speaking that it’s a job requirement for an artist.

“You know, as an actor I should be allowed to play any person, or any tree, or any animal because that is my job and the requirements of my job,” Johansson said. “I feel like it’s a trend in my business and it needs to happen for various social reasons, yet there are times it does get uncomfortable when it affects the art because I feel art should be free of restrictions.”

The comments of the Black Widow star reminded few of her high-profile casting scandals. A year ago, Johansson was casted out of the film “Rub & Tug” — the real life story of a mob boss who was born a woman but identified as a man. Transgender actors and advocates highly criticized the production for not casting a Trans actor in the lead role.

“Trans people should play trans people. It is incredibly disappointing that she has learned nothing and clearly does not care about the experiences of Trans people,” a critic said on social media.

“I will not be seeing any films that involve Scarlett Johansson moving forward. I do not want to give my money to someone who trivializes the oppression of Trans people and diminishes the importance of our visibility,” a transgender woman tweeted in anger.

However, the Avengers Endgame star highlighted her concern saying that “I think society would be more connected if we just allowed others to have their own feelings and not expect everyone to feel the way we do”.