Lesley-Ann Brandt defends being cast as a black person in acting roles

05 May 2016 - 19:31 By TMG Entertainment

Media watchdogs and fans have for years‚ been frustrated by actors being cast to play other races which aren’t theirs. As a result‚ many are calling for an actor’s background to match the part as much as possible. However‚ with her mixed ethnic background‚ actress Lesley-Ann Brandt believes the situation is extremely complex given her scenario as a coloured South African‚ with British‚ East Indian‚ Dutch‚ German and Spanish heritage living in America.In a lengthy Facebook post‚ the actress – who plays the role of Mazikeen on Lucifer - revealed that there are “huge differences” between America and South Africa regarding how race is perceived‚ before explaining how the “unique cultural fabric of South Africa” warrants her the opportunity to play roles designed for black women‚ even though she isn’t considered ‘black’ in South Africa.Her comments came after people on Twitter questioned why she was being cast as a black women when she is of mixed race.“I'm South African‚ a women of color who is mostly thought to be a light skinned black American and that assumption is made by Americans I meet. The next question upon hearing my accent is "where are you from?"‚ then "which one of your parents is black?" To instantly be accepted as a woman of color here in the US and as member of a community who have roots‚ history and a voice regardless of the different mixes they have within their own community‚ is wonderful‚ beautiful and so welcomed.”Read the full post below:Some South Africans have brought these tweets to my attention and my response is with kindness and an open heart....Posted by Lesley-Ann Brandt on Tuesday, May 3, 2016..

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