Halle Berry Apologizes Over Trans Character Remarks, Backs Out Of Film Role

Halle Berry said she wants to be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community and will no longer be considered for the role as a transgender man.

BYErika Marie
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She couldn't deal with the heat, so Halle Berry got out of the kitchen. Over the weekend, Halle Berry was spotted on Instagram Live as she spoke openly about a potential film role portraying a transgender man. "It's really important to me to tell stories, and that’s a woman, that’s a female story – it changes to a man, but I want to understand the why and how of that. I want to get into it," the actress said. Berry was quickly met with backlash over her misuse of pronouns and for playing a trans character when there are trans actors vying for roles.

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Halle didn't take too long to respond to the backlash by sharing a brief statement on Twitter. "I'd like to apologize for those remarks," she wrote. "As a cisgender woman, I now understand that I should not have considered this role, and that the trangender community should undeniably have the opportunity to tell their own stories."

She added, "I vow to be an ally in using my voice to promote better representation on-screen, both in front of and behind the camera." Some people noted that there have been many cisgender or straight actors who have portrayed trans or LGBTQIA+ characters, but it seems that Halle Berry has made up her mind. Read through her statement in full below.

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About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.