LONDON —Jessica Chastain said Tuesday she has received a barrage of abuse following her recent speech urging more diversity in Hollywood.
The American actress, who was honored as Most Valuable Player at last Thursday’s Critics’ Choice Awards ceremony, used her time onstage to make a plea to Hollywood executives and actors.
Additional Images
The star of “Zero Dark Thirty” implored those in attendance to “stand together against homophobic, sexist, misogynistic, anti-Semitic and racist agendas,” leading Oprah Winfrey to mouth “wow” as Chastain, 37, concluded her speech.
Speaking to The Associated Press, Chastain acknowledged she was shocked by messages she’s received since the ceremony.
“I’ve had really terrible people who are racists comment on the speech and say really terrible things. I’m understanding that some people in this world, how much hate they can have,” she said.
However, she said, she has also been cheered by the amount of support from Hollywood insiders.
Chastain accepted her MVP award on the evening of this year’s Oscar nominations, which were criticized by some for the absence of black actors and directors.
“Some people had taken my speech and then made it about awards…. That’s not what my speech was about,” Chastain said.
“If we had more diversity in our films it would be reflected in diversity in the nominees.”
—From news service reports
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Comments are no longer available on this story