Chris Brown has been cast in a movie about women’s basketball, and people are justifiably angry
On Tuesday, December 19th, Variety.com reported that Nick Cannon is writing, directing, producing, and costarring in an indie film about women’s street basketball. Sounds pretty cool, right? However, Variety also confirmed that Chris Brown is slated to star in the movie, and the internet is not pleased — for good reason.
Many find Brown’s involvement in a film about female empowerment outright offensive. In 2009, Brown pleaded guilty to domestic assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna. And just this year, Brown’s ex-girlfriend Karrueche Tran was granted a five-year restraining order against the singer after he threatened her with violence after their breakup.
And in the midst of the #MeToo movement — sparked by the downfall of prominent movie exec Harvey Weinstein — the casting choice feels tone deaf at best, and a slap in the face to victims everywhere at worst.
According to Variety.com, Cannon stars as Avery Watts, "who enlists the baddest women’s streetball league in the city to help him save the embattled Inglewood Community Center, which he manages, all while trying to raise his seven-year-old daughter," Variety reports.
.@NickCannon will write and direct the women's basketball film 'She Ball' co-starring @chrisbrown (EXCLUSIVE) https://t.co/GrfPuNXLih pic.twitter.com/zaDnGXNyeJ
— Variety (@Variety) December 19, 2017
Twitter users were quick to share their concerns.
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/943236848293363712
— Kelly Vorrasi (@kvknowsherfun) December 19, 2017
A film about women's basketball starring a man with a history of abusing women? No thanks.
— Marian E (@bakerboys93) December 20, 2017
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"Cannon will star alongside Chris Brown, Cedric the Entertainer, Evan Ross, and Rebecca De Mornay." pic.twitter.com/o9a58XHvM9
— Aceblade (@TheAceblade) December 20, 2017
And others are just confused about the number of men involved in a movie about women’s streetball.
Because no women directors were available? C'mon Nick! pic.twitter.com/8Q30LYyJu0
— Mightyjova The Mandolorian wears a Mask (@mightyjova) December 20, 2017
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What is the target audience for this movie? pic.twitter.com/qE1JHF5Knn
— Momthra (@Momthra) December 19, 2017
Um…don't you think some WOMEN could handle this project better?
— David Wagner (@WagnerDavid) December 19, 2017
Production is reportedly already underway on She Ball, but perhaps the producers and creative team behind the project will reconsider their problematic casting choice in the wake of these concerns. We certainly hope so.
