Big Mouth is an adult animated show on Netflix where comedian Jenny Slate plays the character of Missy. Missy is a biracial character in the show, which will no longer be voiced by Slate. This is due to Slate choosing to exit the part, as she expresses that this biracial character should not be played by a white person.
“At the start of the show, I reasoned with myself that it was permissible for me to play ‘Missy’ because her mom is Jewish and white — as am I. But ‘Missy’ is also Black and Black characters on an animated show should be played by Black people.”
Slate continued in her Instagram post:
“Ending my portrayal of ‘Missy’ is one step in a life-long process of uncovering the racism in my actions.”
Kroll and the other co-creators of Big Mouth posted a statement in support of Slate’s decision:
“We sincerely apologize for and regret our original decision to cast a white actor to voice a biracial character. We look forward to being able to explore Missy’s story with even greater authenticity in the years to come.”
Here is Slate’s Instagram post, followed by Kroll’s.
What do you think about Slate’s departure from the Big Mouth character and should other white voice actors, who are playing black characters; step away from their roles?
https://www.instagram.com/p/CB1JlSqFXT8/?utm_source=ig_embed
— nick kroll (@nickkroll) June 24, 2020
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