‘I’m Still Here’ Oscar nominee Fernanda Torres apologizes for wearing blackface in resurfaced comedy sketch

nypost.com:

released a statement over the weekend apologizing for wearing blackface in a resurfaced comedy skit from the Brazilian TV show “Fantastico” 17 years ago.“Almost twenty years ago, I appeared in blackface in a comedy sketch from a Brazilian TV show,” the Oscar-nominated “I’m Still Here” actress said to Deadline. “I am very sorry for this.

I’m making this statement as it is important for me to address this swiftly to avoid further pain and confusion.”Torres continued, “At that time, despite the efforts of Black movements and organizations, the awareness of the racist history and symbolism of blackface hadn’t yet entered the mainstream public consciousness in Brazil.

Thanks to better cultural understanding and important but incomplete achievements in this century, it’s very clear now in our country and everywhere that blackface is never acceptable.”“This is an important conversation we must continue to have with one another in order to prevent the normalization of racist practices then and now,” Torres said. “As an artist and global citizen, and from my open heart, I remain attentive and committed to the pursuit of vital changes needed to live in a world free from inequality and racism.”The Post has reached out to Torres’ rep for comment.In the controversial sketch, called “The Opposite Sex: The Family (Father Vs.

Mother),” Torres and a male co-star play multiple characters who address whether mothers or fathers are more important to families.Torres wears blackface and acts in an exaggerated manner to portray a housekeeper, who is hired by a couple to help with their chores.The sketch went viral on social media this weekend and sparked backlash from X users.“The Fernanda Torres blackface video is insane actually????