Since Black Lives Matter protests began erupting all over the world, renewed focus has been placed on racism within films, TV shows and pop culture in general. Disclaimers have been added to certain pieces of content, and some films and TV shows featuring black and brownface have been pulled from viewing platforms altogether – making the timing of Shia LaBeouf’s new film The Tax Collector even worse.
The Tax Collector follows two tax collectors – played by LaBeouf and Bobby Soto – who work for a crime lord and face an uncertain future when an old rival reappears.
After the trailer was released last week, fans were quick to slam Shia LaBeouf for depicting “brownface” in the film and adopting a “cholo” accent.
‘Cholo’ is a Spanish term for people of mixed-blood heritage or a male of Mexican descent, and can be considered derogatory.
Speaking of problematic film, hear about the Little Britain controversy below:
One Twitter user said, “Oh hey, another movie [with] Latinos and Blacks in glorified gang culture on steroids that reinforces stereotypes and fears for white folks and promotes the cop mentality that ‘it’s a battlefield out there.’”
“Sigh…Hollywood, come on. We don’t need this right now,” they added.
Another tweeted directly at The Tax Collector director David Ayer, “Hey, really important question that I think you should answer publicly in 2020. Is Shia LaBeouf playing a Latino character in Tax Collector? If so, why didn’t you cast a Latin actor?”
Ayer responded to the query, tweeting, “Really important answer – Shia is playing a whiteboy who grew up in the hood. This is a Jewish dubbed playing a white character. Also the only white dude in the movie.”
Later, he added, “I grew up hood and I’m a whiteboy. Chicano culture is inclusive – I’ve seen whiteys, Asians, Blacks, Filipinos all putting in work for the hood. It’s part of street culture.”
Ayer also denied Shia LaBeouf is sporting brownface in the film.
No word from Shia LaBeouf on the brownface accusations, but the film isn’t even out yet and it’s already receiving many mixed reviews.
Always be in the loop with our snackable podcast breaking the biggest story of the day. Subscribe to It’s Been A Big Day For… on your favourite podcast app.