Black Actresses Who Faced the Most Backlash From the Audiences

The entertainment industry has a long history of subjecting Black actresses to intense scrutiny and public backlash often for reasons unrelated to their talent. Whether it is a result of casting choices in beloved franchises or their personal lives and public statements these women frequently navigate a unique level of criticism. This list examines the careers of several prominent Black actresses who have faced significant pushback from audiences while continuing to make their mark on Hollywood. Their experiences highlight the ongoing struggles for representation and the complexities of being a person of color in the spotlight.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey encountered intense scrutiny after being cast as Ariel in the live action adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid’. Some critics expressed dissatisfaction with the departure from the original character appearance in the 1989 animated film. The actress maintained a professional demeanor throughout the promotional tour while addressing the importance of diversity. Her performance ultimately earned positive reviews from critics who appreciated her vocal talents. This situation highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Black performers in major franchise roles.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch faced a wave of online harassment when news broke that her character would inherit the 007 codename in ‘No Time to Die’. Critics argued that the iconic designation should remain exclusive to the character of James Bond. Lynch responded by emphasizing that the backlash was not personal but reflective of broader societal issues. She successfully portrayed a skilled MI6 agent who challenged traditional expectations of the franchise.

Moses Ingram

Moses Ingram became the target of racist messages following her debut as Reva Sevander in the series ‘Obi Wan Kenobi’. The actress shared examples of the vitriol she received on social media platforms during the show run. Disney and Ewan McGregor issued public statements to support Ingram and condemn the behavior of certain fans. This incident prompted a larger discussion about the treatment of diverse actors within the Star Wars universe.

Anna Diop

Anna Diop experienced significant negativity from fans when she was cast as Starfire in the television series ‘Titans’. Much of the criticism focused on her physical appearance and the costume design chosen for the character. Diop eventually disabled her social media comments to protect her mental health from the persistent harassment. Her portrayal of the powerful alien princess eventually won over many skeptical viewers as the show progressed.

Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones endured a coordinated campaign of online abuse after starring in the 2016 reboot of ‘Ghostbusters’. The actress was subjected to racial slurs and personal attacks that led her to temporarily leave social media. Many industry peers spoke out in her defense to highlight the toxicity within certain fan communities. Despite the harsh reception from some groups Jones continued to build a successful career in comedy and television.

Zendaya

Zendaya faced initial pushback from some fans when she was cast as MJ in ‘Spider Man Homecoming’. Critics questioned the casting of a Black actress for a character historically depicted as a white redhead in the comic books. The actress ignored the noise and focused on creating a modern and relatable version of the character. Her performance was widely celebrated and she became a central figure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first encountered public backlash as a child actress when she played Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’. Some fans of the book expressed disappointment that the character was portrayed by a Black girl despite the text descriptions. Years later she faced further criticism during the release of the series ‘The Acolyte’ within the Star Wars franchise. Stenberg has remained vocal about her experiences and the impact of racial bias in the entertainment industry.

Francesca Amewudah-Rivers

Francesca Amewudah-Rivers was the subject of intense online debate after being cast as Juliet in a London stage production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’. The announcement led to a surge of racial abuse directed at the young actress on various social platforms. Over eight hundred fellow actors signed an open letter to support her and condemn the discriminatory behavior. The production moved forward with a focus on the artistic merit of the casting choices.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis faced criticism from some audiences regarding her portrayal of Michelle Obama in the series ‘The First Lady’. Viewers specifically focused on her facial expressions and physical mannerisms during the performance. The actress defended her artistic choices and noted the difficulty of playing such a well known public figure. She has often spoken about the intense pressure placed on Black actresses to achieve perfection in every role.

Zoë Kravitz

Zoe Kravitz received mixed reactions from certain fans when she was cast as Catwoman in ‘The Batman’. While many praised the choice some corners of the internet questioned if she fit the physical mold of previous iterations. Kravitz focused on the psychological depth of Selina Kyle to deliver a grounded and gritty performance. She successfully navigated the expectations of the fandom while making the role her own.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson faced backlash from some comic book purists when she was cast as Valkyrie in ‘Thor Ragnarok’. The character was traditionally depicted as a blonde Norse warrior in the source material. Thompson ignored the negative comments and leaned into the charismatic and battle hardened nature of the hero. Her version of Valkyrie became a fan favorite and eventually ascended to the throne of New Asgard.

Candice Patton

Candice Patton has been open about the years of racial harassment she endured while starring in ‘The Flash’. As the first Black actress to play Iris West she faced constant scrutiny from fans who preferred the comic book look. She noted that the network and studio support was often lacking during the early seasons of the show. Patton continued to play the lead female role for nine seasons while advocating for better treatment of diverse talent.

Jodie Turner-Smith

Jodie Turner-Smith sparked significant controversy when she was cast as the lead in the miniseries ‘Anne Boleyn’. Many viewers objected to a Black woman portraying a historical figure who was white. The actress argued that the casting was intended to provide a fresh perspective on the well known historical tragedy. Despite the social media firestorm the production focused on the emotional resonance of the story rather than historical literalism.

Noma Dumezweni

Noma Dumezweni faced a polarized reaction when she was cast as Hermione Granger in the play ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’. Some fans cited the character’s description in the original novels as a reason for their disapproval. J.K. Rowling defended the casting by stating that Hermione’s race was never explicitly defined in the books. Dumezweni delivered an award winning performance that helped the play become a global success.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi encountered online criticism after being cast as Tinker Bell in the film ‘Peter Pan and Wendy’. Like other recent Disney castings the backlash centered on the change in the character’s racial identity from the animated classic. Shahidi expressed her excitement about bringing a new look to such an iconic magical figure. She focused on the opportunity to provide representation for young girls who rarely see themselves in fantasy roles.

Mo’Nique

Mo’Nique faced significant industry and audience backlash following her Oscar win for the film ‘Precious’. She was criticized for her refusal to participate in the traditional awards season campaigning without additional compensation. This led to a public feud with influential figures and a period of being labeled difficult to work with. The actress has since spent years advocating for fair pay and transparency within Hollywood.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union experienced public friction following her departure from the judging panel of ‘America’s Got Talent’. She reported a toxic work environment and raised concerns about racial insensitivity on the set. While many fans supported her others criticized her for speaking out against a popular television institution. Union maintained her stance and reached a settlement that addressed her concerns about workplace culture.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer faced a unique wave of public commentary regarding her personal life and wardrobe choices. After attending a concert in a sheer outfit she was publicly criticized by her partner on social media. The ensuing public debate saw fans divided over her right to personal expression versus traditional expectations of motherhood. Palmer used the moment to celebrate her body and promote her professional projects with confidence.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson received backlash from some who felt she was complaining after she spoke out about pay inequality. During a press tour for ‘The Color Purple’ she tearfully discussed the financial struggles faced by even top tier Black actresses. While many colleagues supported her some social media users questioned her wealth relative to the average person. The conversation shed light on the massive pay gaps that persist in the film industry.

Tia Mowry

Tia Mowry faced unexpected criticism from followers after announcing her divorce from her longtime husband. Some fans expressed disappointment and projected their own ideals of a perfect marriage onto her personal life. The actress remained transparent about her journey toward self discovery and happiness. She continues to share her life as a single mother while managing her various lifestyle and acting ventures.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg faced a suspension from ‘The View’ after making controversial comments about the Holocaust. Her statements led to an immediate public outcry and accusations of historical insensitivity. Goldberg issued multiple apologies and met with community leaders to better understand the impact of her words. She returned to the show with a commitment to being more mindful of her language and historical context.

Lisa Bonet

Lisa Bonet faced backlash early in her career when she chose to take a provocative role in the film ‘Angel Heart’. The departure from her clean cut image on ‘The Cosby Show’ upset many viewers and producers at the time. She was reportedly pressured to leave the family sitcom due to creative differences and her desire for artistic independence. Bonet remained an icon of counterculture and individuality despite the industry pressure.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton faced criticism after she publicly apologized to darker skinned Black actresses for her role in colorism. Some felt her comments were performative or centered herself in a systemic issue. Others appreciated her honesty about how her lighter skin may have afforded her more opportunities in Hollywood. The discussion highlighted the complex internal dynamics of race and casting within the Black community.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana faced a massive controversy when she was cast as the legendary singer in the biopic ‘Nina’. Critics and the family of Nina Simone objected to Saldana using dark makeup and a prosthetic nose for the role. Many felt the casting ignored the importance of Simone’s specific features and experiences as a dark skinned woman. Saldana eventually apologized years later and expressed regret for taking the role.

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright encountered a firestorm of criticism after sharing a video that questioned the safety of vaccines. The actress faced calls for her removal from the film ‘Black Panther Wakanda Forever’ during the height of the pandemic. She eventually deleted her social media accounts after engaging in heated debates with followers. Wright returned to the screen and focused on her work while keeping her personal views more private.

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith has faced ongoing audience backlash related to her public disclosures on ‘Red Table Talk’. Her discussions about her marriage and personal entanglements led to widespread memes and public scrutiny. The criticism intensified following the incident involving her husband at the Academy Awards ceremony. Many viewers have expressed a sense of fatigue regarding her level of transparency about her private life.

Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish faced a shift in public perception following several legal issues and controversial comedy sets. Once a beloved breakout star she dealt with criticism regarding her behavior at public events and on social media. Some fans felt her brand of humor had become erratic or insensitive in certain contexts. Haddish has continued to work in the industry while addressing her personal challenges more openly.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Meghan Markle faced unprecedented levels of backlash from both the media and the public during her time as a working royal. The former ‘Suits’ actress was subjected to constant comparisons and racially coded critiques in the British press. After stepping back from royal duties she continued to face scrutiny for her media projects and public statements. The intense negativity directed at her remains a significant topic of global discussion.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams made history as the first Black Miss America but faced a forced resignation after a scandal involving private photos. The backlash was immense and many believed her career was over before it truly began. She successfully transitioned into a powerhouse acting and singing career with roles in ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’. Her resilience in the face of public shaming remains an inspiring story in the entertainment world.

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson faced a massive professional setback and public shaming following the Super Bowl halftime show incident. While her costar Timberlake saw his career flourish Jackson was effectively blacklisted from many radio and television outlets. The backlash lasted for years and significantly impacted the sales of her subsequent albums. A recent documentary helped shift the narrative and led to a public apology from many media entities.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé faced criticism from some audiences who felt her casting as Nala in ‘The Lion King’ was unnecessary. Others complained about her involvement in the soundtrack and felt she was overshadowing the film itself. Some segments of the public have also criticized her for being too private in her public persona. Despite the occasional noise she remains one of the most successful and influential performers in history.

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks has faced a retrospective wave of backlash as viewers rewatch older episodes of ‘America’s Next Top Model’. Critics have pointed out instances of body shaming and racial insensitivity toward the young contestants. Banks has addressed some of these concerns by acknowledging that some of the show’s content has not aged well. The former supermodel continues to be a prominent figure in media despite the shifting perceptions of her legacy.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo faced pushback when she was cast as Harriet Tubman in the film ‘Harriet’. Some African American critics felt that the role of an American icon should have gone to an American actress rather than a British one. Erivo defended her ability to portray the role with respect and historical accuracy. Her performance eventually earned her two Academy Award nominations for acting and original song.

Danielle Deadwyler

Danielle Deadwyler was at the center of a public outcry after she was snubbed for an Oscar nomination for ‘Till’. Many fans and industry insiders felt the omission was a sign of systemic bias against Black women in lead roles. The actress spoke out about the persistence of misogynoir within the entertainment industry. Her powerful performance as Mamie Till Mobley remains a high point of recent cinema.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o faced minor backlash for her vocal choices in the horror film ‘Us’. Some disability advocates felt her character’s voice was too similar to a condition caused by vocal cord trauma. The actress explained that she based the voice on a specific medical condition to enhance the character’s eerie nature. She listened to the concerns of the community and engaged in a dialogue about representation and sensitivity.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid experienced online negativity when she was cast as the lead in ‘A Wrinkle in Time’. Some readers of the original book were unhappy with the decision to make the Murry family biracial. Reid handled the pressure with grace and focused on the importance of the film for young girls of color. She has since become a staple in major productions like ‘Euphoria’ and ‘The Last of Us’.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin faced social media criticism regarding her hair and makeup choices at various award shows. As a young star coming of age in the spotlight she was often subjected to adult standards of beauty. Martin famously used her platform to respond to trolls and remind them of her age and autonomy. She continues to break barriers as the youngest executive producer in Hollywood history.

Dominique Thorne

Dominique Thorne faced the usual franchise related backlash when she was introduced as Ironheart in ‘Black Panther Wakanda Forever’. Some fans were resistant to the idea of a new character taking over the legacy of Iron Man. Thorne focused on the brilliance and unique personality of Riri Williams to win over audiences. She is set to lead her own series on Disney Plus as the character continues to evolve.

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland recently faced a wave of headlines following a confrontation with security at the Cannes Film Festival. Some observers criticized her for being confrontational while others defended her for standing up for herself. The singer later stated that she felt she was being treated differently than other celebrities on the red carpet. This incident sparked a conversation about the boundaries and respect afforded to Black women in high profile spaces.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall faced mixed reviews and some backlash for her hosting duties at the Academy Awards. Some viewers felt that certain jokes made during the ceremony were in poor taste or crossed personal boundaries. Hall maintained her comedic style and professional approach despite the polarized social media reaction. She remains one of the most respected comedic and dramatic actresses in the industry today.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel faced some initial resistance to the challenging and graphic themes in her series ‘I May Destroy You’. While the show was a critical darling some viewers found the exploration of sexual assault to be too intense for television. Coel was praised for her uncompromising vision and her ability to tackle difficult subjects with nuance. The show eventually became one of the most celebrated programs of its year.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw faced criticism from some fans when she played Plumette in the live action ‘Beauty and the Beast’. The complaints were similar to other diverse castings in Disney remakes where characters were originally white. The actress delivered a charming performance and focused on the whimsy of the musical production. She has since moved on to major roles in ‘Loki’ and other high profile projects.

Willow Smith

Willow Smith faced backlash as a child for her unconventional style and her decision to shave her head. The young actress and singer was often criticized for not conforming to traditional expectations for young girls in Hollywood. She has been open about the mental health struggles that came with growing up in the public eye. Smith has now established herself as a successful musician with a loyal and supportive fan base.

China Anne McClain

China Anne McClain faced criticism when she decided to leave the series ‘Black Lightning’ before its final season. Some fans felt she was abandoning the show and her character’s important role in the story. She later explained that her decision was based on personal growth and a desire to focus on her faith. McClain has continued to work on projects that align with her personal values and artistic goals.

Quvenzhané Wallis

Quvenzhané Wallis was the target of a highly inappropriate joke by an entertainment outlet during the Academy Awards. The incident caused a massive public outcry as the actress was only nine years old at the time. The outlet eventually issued a formal apology after facing intense pressure from the public and other celebrities. This event highlighted the often toxic and harmful nature of celebrity journalism directed at minors.

Amber Riley

Amber Riley faced criticism from some fans during the run of ‘Glee’ regarding her character’s storylines and screen time. She later spoke out about the environment and the challenges she faced as a Black woman on a major network show. Riley has since enjoyed a successful career in theater and won several prestigious awards for her vocal talents. She continues to advocate for better representation and fair treatment in the performing arts.

Kat Graham

Kat Graham has been candid about the backlash and lack of support she felt while starring in ‘The Vampire Diaries’. Fans often targeted her character Bonnie Bennett with racial bias while the writing for the character was frequently criticized. Graham maintained her professionalism and became a fan favorite despite the difficult circumstances. She has since transitioned into film and music while remaining a vocal advocate for various social causes.

Javicia Leslie

Javicia Leslie faced the daunting task of taking over the lead role in ‘Batwoman’ after the original star left. She was the first Black actress to play the character in a live action production which drew both praise and predictable backlash. Some viewers were resistant to the change in lead actor and the introduction of a new character as the hero. Leslie delivered a strong performance for two seasons and earned a dedicated following within the DC community.

Please share your thoughts on which of these actresses handled the public pressure most effectively in the comments.