After a flurry of criticism over alleged “whitewashing” of roles in his recent film, "Aloha," director Cameron Crowe issued an apology on Tuesday.
"I have heard your words and your disappointment, and I offer you a heart-felt apology to all who felt this was an odd or misguided casting choice,” Crowe wrote in an open letter on his official website, referring to the contentious choice of casting Emma Stone in the role of Allison Ng.
Ng in the film is described as mixed race, the daughter of a half-Chinese, half-Hawaiin father and a white mother. The film has no Asian-Americans actors in major roles, despite Hawaii being over seventy percent non-white. "Aloha" does feature a few Asian-American cast members in smaller roles, including Hawaiian nationalist Dennis “Bumpy” Kanahele.
"Emma Stone was chief among those who did tireless research, and if any part of her fine characterization has caused consternation and controversy, I am the one to blame,” Crowe continued in his statement.
The film has been plagued with bad publicity, including a leaked email from Sony chairperson Amy Pascal calling the film’s script “ridiculous”.
"Aloha" currently stands at 18% on movie review-aggregator Rotten Tomatoes and grossed just $10 million during its opening weekend.
IN-DEPTH
- 'Aloha' Draws Accusations of 'Whitewashing' Hawaii
- Native Hawaiians to Federal Government: Give Us Back Our Kingdom
- Despite Protests, Construction to Continue on Hawaii's Mauna Kea Telescope