A photo leaked from the set of a new movie Seth Rogen is producing is stirring controversy and accusations of blackface being used on a light-skinned Black actor.
A stand-in for child star Keith L. Williams, who is in Rogen’s film, “Good Boys,” co-produced by Evan Goldberg, was pictured on set with makeup on his face to darken him up, TMZ reported Wednesday, Aug. 2. Members of the movie’s production company told the website, however, that it is a common practice.
LOS ANGELES, CA – July 28: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Seth Rogen visits the Young Hollywood Studio on July 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Mendez/Young Hollywood/Getty Images)
Good Universe said it’s “not uncommon for lighting purposes to match actors’ skin tones” and they emphasize it’s not a case of blackface.
Sources added that Williams’ stand-in was on set in Vancouver last week and he was wearing an afro wig and a fat suit. Williams was on a break when the photo was snapped but insiders said the sight was an upsetting one to at least one person present.
Producers of the film, which focuses on four 12-year-olds who journey from the suburbs of Los Angeles to the Sherman Oaks Galleria to replace a broken drone before their parents arrive home, are reportedly aware that a complaint had been filed over the situation. They had been in the middle of addressing the grievance.
AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 10: Actor Keith L. Williams attends the premiere of “SADIE” during SXSW at Stateside Theater on March 10, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jason Bollenbacher/Getty Images for SXSW)
Studio sources said the child’s father is “a longtime stunt performer himself, who is also on the set, is offended by the [complaints] being made regarding his son”
Still, other industry personnel told TMZ casting directors usually make sure to hire stand-ins who match the skin tones of the actors instead of using makeup.
Regardless, folks online are fired up over the matter and they’re letting their feelings be known.
“Did you really put a Black child in blackface? If so, what in the white-privileged-nonsense hell is wrong with you??”
“I guess hiring a Black stand-in is too expensive? 🤷🏾♀️SMH.”
