Jessica Chastain has criticised a magazine cover of all-white women on which she herself is featured.
The cover was part of a story by the LA Times ‘Envelope’ magazine, accompanied by the phrase “A shift in focus: Actresses call for a change in the way many stories are told.”
Other actresses to appear on the cover include Margot Robbie, Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan.
Many Twitter users criticised the photo, asking why Chastain agreed to the feature.
“Honestly @jes_chastain as an outspoken voice for equality how do you pose for a photo like this and not feel absolutely mortified by the blatant exclusion?” Wrote one.
Honestly @jes_chastain as an outspoken voice for equality how do you pose for a photo like this and not feel absolutely mortified by the blatant exclusion? How is it possible to not understand the msg this photo sends? pic.twitter.com/nb8caRfVL6
— Rebecca Shuri She Ready Carroll (@rebel19) December 22, 2017
It is literally the antithesis of "a shift in focus" — this is literally The Same Focus on White Women in Hollywood.
— Rebecca Shuri She Ready Carroll (@rebel19) December 22, 2017
#FlashbackFriday #BlackWomen saved themselves and Democrats in #Alabama. 52% of white women voted for Donald Trump whose presidency gave rise to the #Resistance. A black woman launched #MeToo movement.
In Hollywood, this is considered pushing the envelope (h/t @AlfredEdmondJr). pic.twitter.com/gLTnk1OXPZ
— Faye M. Anderson (@andersonatlarge) December 22, 2017
Taking to Twitter, the actress admitted there was a diversity issue with the feature, calling it a “sad look” and asking her followers for their favourite women of colour lead films of the year.
Its a sad look that there's no WOC in this pic of us promoting our female lead films. The industry needs to become more inclusive in its storytelling. What were your favorite WOC lead films this year? I LOVED @salmahayek in #BeatriceAtDinner https://t.co/tzoijwy88q
— Jessica Chastain (@jes_chastain) December 24, 2017
She added: “Its [sic] TERRIBLE that I can’t think of at least 5 female lead films with woc this year.”
Its TERRIBLE that I can't think of at least 5 female lead films with woc this year.
— Jessica Chastain (@jes_chastain) December 24, 2017
In 12 months there's not even 5?!
— Jessica Chastain (@jes_chastain) December 24, 2017
Chastain is an outspoken supporter of women’s rights.
Earlier this month, Chastain revealed on the Graham Norton Show that she had been instructed by a prominent actor to “calm down” over her reaction to the Harvey Weinstein scandal.
“I found that heartbreaking and can only think he didn’t understand the movement that was happening,” she added, according to People.
Back in May, she called the portrayal of women in film ‘disturbing’.
Chastain stars alongside Idris Elba in Molly’s Game, released January 1.
