Sande Alessi Casting Agency is taking flak for what many believe was a racist casting notice for the upcoming NWA bio, "Straight Outta Compton."
The notice requested four different types of women to fill various extra roles in the film. The breakdown is as follows:
A GIRLS: These are the hottest of the hottest. Models. MUST have real hair - no extensions, very classy looking, great bodies. You can be black, white, asian, hispanic, mid eastern, or mixed race too.
B GIRLS: These are fine girls, long natural hair, really nice bodies. Small waists, nice hips. You should be light-skinned. Beyonce is a prototype here.
C GIRLS: These are African American girls, medium to light skinned with a weave.
D GIRLS: These are African American girls. Poor, not in good shape. Medium to dark skin tone. Character types.
Many found the "D Girls" requirements offensive, as it equated "poor" with "African-American," "Not in good shape" and a certain skin tone. Others took offense to the entire notice, saying it perpetuates harmful racial stereotypes and beauty standards.
TMZ reached out to the agency, who apologized for the "innocent mistake" of attempting to cast the "poor" people as a certain skin tone, and said they are looking for women with various skin tones and body types.
When it comes to the grouping system, Sande Alessi says it's the usual method they use for films, and they surely didn't intend to offend.
Do you think these standards are racist or just a part of the process? Sound off below.
Source: TMZ
