Zoe Saldana is an American actress known for her roles in major blockbuster films like Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Star Trek. However, in recent years, she has faced backlash and criticism from some people online and in the media. Here is an in-depth look at some of the main reasons why some people have expressed dislike or hatred towards Zoe Saldana.
She Was Cast as Nina Simone in a Biopic
One of the biggest sources of controversy for Zoe Saldana was her casting as singer and activist Nina Simone in the 2016 biopic Nina. Many accused the filmmakers and Saldana of colorism because Saldana, who has lighter skin and European features, wore makeup and a prosthetic nose to darken her appearance to portray the darker-skinned Simone.
This sparked outrage from those who felt Saldana misrepresented Simone’s image and did not understand the discrimination Simone faced as a dark-skinned black woman. Critics argued a darker-skinned actress should have been chosen. Saldana defended herself stating she worked diligently to represent Simone, but later acknowledged the criticism and regretted taking the role.
Why Zoe Saldana’s Casting as Nina Simone Was Problematic
- Simone faced discrimination throughout her career for having dark skin, so casting a lighter-skinned actress was seen as disrespectful.
- Darkening Saldana’s skin was viewed as offensive and a form of “blackface.”
- Many felt a darker-skinned actress would have better embodied Simone’s physical features and struggles.
- The controversy tied into ongoing issues in Hollywood regarding colorism and lack of opportunities for darker-skinned black actresses.
She Played Uhura in Star Trek
Saldana took on the famous role of Nyota Uhura, originally played by Nichelle Nichols, in the Star Trek reboot film series. While many praised her performance, some accused her and the films of whitewashing the character.
In the original 1960s TV series, Uhura was portrayed as a capable black woman breaking barriers in a leadership role. However, some feel Saldana’s Uhura did not exemplify the same power and agency of the original character. Her relationship with Spock was given more focus, leading some viewers to feel her character had been reduced to a stereotypical romantic interest.
Criticisms of Zoe Saldana’s Portrayal of Uhura
- Overemphasis on Uhura’s romance with Spock rather than her skills and intellect
- Lack of significant character development and memorably impactful moments for Uhura compared to the original series
- Reducing a strong black female character to a love interest and background player
She Does Not Identify as Black American
While Zoe Saldana is of Puerto Rican and Haitian descent, she does not identify as African American or black American. Rather, she identifies as a black Latina and has said she finds the term black American exclusionary to other cultures.
This has caused some black Americans to feel she lacks a sufficient connection to black American culture and experiences like colorism. When she takes roles portraying historic black American figures like Nina Simone and refuses to identify as black American, some see this as problematic appropriation.
Why Her Lack of Black American Identity Upsets Her Critics
- She takes roles depicting black civil rights icons like Nina Simone who specifically fought anti-black racism.
- Her identity as a black Latina is seen as disconnected from the African American cultural experience and struggles.
- Identifying as black Latina rather than black American is viewed by some as an attempt to avoid racism black Americans face.
- She benefits from depicting black American stories without facing the same discrimination.
Comments About Diversity Were Controversial
In 2018, Saldana gave an interview that sparked backlash for her comments about diversity in Hollywood. She stated she believed Hollywood had become too sensitive about diversity and that she believed in hiring the best person for the job regardless of race.
Many accused her comments of being tone-deaf and criticized her for downplaying the importance of diversity. Critics pointed out that as a lighter-skinned Latina, Saldana has still gained opportunities lesser known black actresses are often denied. Overall, her views on diversity were not well-received and seen as ignorant of wider representation issues in film.
Points of Contention About Her Diversity Stance
- Suggesting race should not matter angered people fighting for better minority representation.
- Saying diversity has gone too far dismisses efforts to make Hollywood more inclusive.
- Her attitude contradicts casting issues like her Nina Simone role that provoked outrages over whitewashing.
- Coming from a successful, lighter-skinned actress, many felt her comments were dismissive of the struggles of dark-skinned and unknown minority actors.
She Was Perceived as Not “Black Enough”
Throughout all these controversies, one common theme has been the accusation that Saldana is not seen as “black enough.” Both her casting in certain roles and her own racial self-identification have led many to feel she lacks a tangible connection to the African American experience.
Critics allege she utilizes her lighter skin and European features to gain traditionally black roles while avoiding discrimination darker-skinned black actors face. Her racial ambiguity is seen by detractors as an advantage allowing her to sidestep prejudice black stars encounter.
How Not Being Seen as Sufficiently Black Has Damaged Her Reputation
- Taking roles like Nina Simone has been seen as hijacking black stories while not facing the same struggles.
- She is accused of exploiting African American culture without properly acknowledging it.
- Her identity as a black Latina rather than black American has drawn criticism that she avoids the racism directed at black Americans.
- As a light-skinned actress, she is said to benefit from colorism in Hollywood at the expense of dark-skinned black performers.
She Suffered Vocal Criticism for Supporting Israel
Saldana generated controversy in 2021 when she posted support for Israel amid conflict with Palestine. She praised Gal Gadot’s Instagram post supporting Israel as her homeland. Many interpreted this as support for Israel’s military strikes on Gaza that were killing many Palestinian civilians.
The backlash was swift, with activists and fans criticizing her stance. Critics highlighted Israel’s ongoing oppression of Palestinians and argued Saldana was ignoring Palestinian voices. She later clarified her post was not political support for any government actions, but the damage was already done in many people’s eyes.
Points About the Backlash to Her Israel Comments
- Showing support for Israel was seen as insensitive to Palestinian suffering.
- Critics felt she ignored power imbalances between Israel and Palestine.
- Praising Israeli actress Gadot’s pro-Israel post was interpreted as anti-Palestinian.
- Clarifying her intent later did not undo the offense taken by supporters of Palestinian rights.
- The controversy tied into ongoing debates over Israel-Palestine and celebrity responsibility on social issues.
She Was Perceived as Anti-Black Lives Matter
In 2020, at the height of protests over George Floyd’s murder and the Black Lives Matter movement, Saldana faced criticism for relatively quiet social media engagement on the issues. With many celebrities openly voicing their support for BLM, some interpreted her comparative silence as being opposed to or disinterested in the movement.
This added to perceptions of her lacking sufficient black identity and awareness of black political struggles. However, she later explained she preferred to use her platform to amplify black voices directly rather than speak for them. Still, her lack of visible BLM support led to renewed accusations of insufficient black advocacy.
Saldana’s Restrained BLM Support Led to Misconceptions
- Her lack of vocal BLM social media posts led some to feel she opposed or dismissed it.
- In a time of vigorous celebrity activism, her quieter approach stood out.
- Allowing critics to speculate on her views invited accusations of inadequate black political advocacy.
- Not visibly using her platform to promote BLM was equated with not actively supporting it.
- Her later explanation clarified her intent but did not entirely repair perceptions.
Conclusion
In summary, Zoe Saldana has faced significant backlash and hatred from some corners due to factors like perceived racial ambiguity, inappropriate casting, and insufficient identification with African American struggles.
Her roles portraying iconic black figures, diversity views, and restrained activism have all drawn criticism that she exploits black culture without fully acknowledging the racism and struggles. While not all the accusations seem necessarily fair, she has undoubtedly become a polarizing figure among some progressive communities.
Nevertheless, she remains a popular and talented actress with many defenders and fans. The controversies surrounding her are embedded in ongoing issues of race, colorism, privilege, identity, and representation in the 21st century.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zoe Saldana Backlash
Why was Zoe Saldana cast as Nina Simone?
Saldana was cast as Nina Simone in the 2016 biopic Nina despite controversy over a light-skinned Latina actress portraying the dark-skinned African American singer. The filmmakers claimed they chose Saldana based on her acting ability, but many accused them of colorism.
How did Zoe Saldana change her appearance for the Nina Simone role?
To portray the darker-skinned Simone, Saldana wore facial prosthetics, an artificial nose, an Afro wig, and dark makeup that some considered a form of blackface. This makeup was seen as highly offensive by those who felt Saldana misrepresented Simone’s image.
What was whitewashed about Zoe Saldana’s Uhura?
Some critics argued Saldana’s Uhura in the Star Trek reboot films lacked the power and prominence of the original 1960s TV character played by Nichelle Nichols. Her romance subplot with Spock was given more focus, reducing Uhura to a less impactful love interest.
Why do some people see colorism in Zoe Saldana’s career?
As a light-skinned Latina actress, some argue Saldana has benefited from colorism in Hollywood compared to darker-skinned black actresses. Playing roles like Nina Simone reinforces this perception that she appropriates dark-skinned black stories despite avoiding the racism they faced.
What controversial comments about diversity did Zoe Saldana make?
In a 2018 interview, Saldana dismissed criticisms of Hollywood’s lack of diversity, arguing focus on diversity can go too far sometimes. She believed in just hiring the best actor regardless of race. Many reacted angrily, arguing she benefits from Hollywood’s lack of diversity as a light-skinned actress.
Why was support for Israel controversial for Zoe Saldana?
When Saldana expressed support for Israel during 2021 conflicts with Palestine, many saw this as support for Israeli military strikes killing Palestinian civilians. Praising Israeli actress Gadot’s pro-Israel post brought accusations Saldana was ignoring human rights abuses against Palestinians.
How has Zoe Saldana responded to accusations of not supporting Black Lives Matter?
When Saldana did not vocally promote BLM on social media in 2020 like many celebrities, some accused her of opposing or not caring about it. She later explained she preferred amplifying black voices directly, but her lack of visible BLM posts still drew criticism of her black advocacy.
Does Zoe Saldana consider herself African American or black American?
No, Saldana identifies as a black Latina and does not use the term African American or black American. This has led some to accuse her of trying to avoid the racism specifically targeted against black Americans by not identifying with black American struggles.