Oscars Best Actress Nominee Fernanda Torres Apologizes for Blackface

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Oscars Best Actress Nominee Fernanda Torres Apologizes for Blackface

Oscar-nominated actress Fernanda Torres has issued an apology for an appearance in a Brazilian television show in 2008 in which she appeared in blackface.

What did Fernanda Torres say about her blackface?

The actress, who recently took home the Golden Globe for Best Performance By An Actress in a Film Drama for her role in the critically acclaimed drama I’m Still Here, appeared on the Brazilian television show Fantastico in 2008.

The sketch in question had Torres play multiple roles for a skit about a husband and wife arguing over responsibilities in the home. The blackface occurred while she appeared as a housekeeper.

In a statement (via Deadline) on the matter, Torres said that she wanted to address the matter and cited the issue as one where the Brazilian culture hadn’t yet understood the “racist history and symbolism of blackface” when the show aired.

“Almost twenty years ago, I appeared in blackface in a comedy sketch from a Brazilian TV show,” Torres said. “I am very sorry for this. I’m making this statement as it is important for me to address this swiftly to avoid further pain and confusion. At that time, despite the efforts of Black movements and organizations, the awareness of the racist history and symbolism of blackface hadn’t yet entered the mainstream public consciousness in Brazil.”

“Thanks to better cultural understanding and important but incomplete achievements in this century, it’s very clear now in our country and everywhere that blackface is never acceptable. This is an important conversation we must continue to have with one another in order to prevent the normalization of racist practices then and now. As an artist and global citizen, and from my open heart, I remain attentive and committed to the pursuit of vital changes needed to live in a world free from inequality and racism.”