Billy Dee Williams has made some questionable remarks in the past, but defending blackface may be the most absurd of them all.
The 87-year-old film star, best known for his role as Lando Calrissian in The Empire Strikes Back, has expressed his belief that there's nothing wrong with non-Black actors wearing blackface – the offensive practice of darkening one's skin to appear Black.
Discussing Laurence Olivier doing so for his role in 1965's Othello, Williams said: 'When he did Othello, I fell out laughing.
‘He stuck his ass out and walked around with his ass, you know, because Black people are supposed to have big asses.
‘I thought it was hysterical. I love that kind of stuff.’
When podcast host Bill Maher clarified: 'Today, they would never let you do that. Blackface?' Williams replied: 'Why not? You should do it. If you're an actor, you should do anything you want to do.'
Maher pointed out that Williams's career began at a time of racism in Hollywood where 'you couldn't play the parts you should've played.'
However, the actor insisted: 'The point is that you don't go through life feeling like, 'I'm a victim.'
‘I refuse to go through life saying to the world, 'I'm p****d off.' I'm not gonna be p****d off 24 hours a day.’
Just for the record, being offended by blackface or any other racist behavior isn't a victim mentality and it doesn't mean you're angry 24 hours a day – it simply means you aren't afraid to call out something wrong when you see it.
It's especially disheartening that a public defense of such blatant racism comes from a Black actor.
Despite his many years on this planet and privileged position, it's unfortunate that Williams doesn't see the true harm of his comments. It's important that when someone from a minority community has the platform and the attention of mainstream media, they use it wisely to promote something positive.
However, there's nothing positive about promoting the idea that blackface isn't problematic and that any good can come from perpetuating racist stereotypes in Hollywood.
Blackface has been used in TV, film and on stage for decades, dating back to the days of minstrel shows where white performers began 'blacking up' with burnt cork or shoe polish in the 1830s.
The ridiculous appearance of these 'blacked up' actors – charcoal skin and clown-like red lips – dehumanized Black people and only made discrimination easier.
So when Black people support racism, what motivation do racists and bigots have to think differently?
It’s very disheartening when someone like Williams – who has been lucky enough to star in one of the biggest movie series in cinematic history – supports something that reminds us of how his own community was treated, and how many people were – and still are – struggling to find work in the industry.
It seems like he has achieved a certain level of success and has forgotten about the struggle to succeed that many others are still experiencing.
Hopefully the response to Williams’ latest statement will make him think before he talks.
