After calling out “Fast and Furious,” Michelle Rodriguez clarifies that Vin Diesel has been supportive of strong women
Michelle Rodriguez may not be happy with the Fast and Furious franchise, but she’s making it clear that her beef is *not* with longtime friend and co-star Vin Diesel.
That’s right, there’s no beef between Dom and Letty.
Last week, Rodriguez took to Instagram to share that she might not be back for the ninth installment of the long-running franchise due to its treatment of women. But in a follow-up video posted to Diesel’s Instagram account, Rodriguez clarified that her post was not directed at the actor, who is also a producer on the Fast films.
“Vin, for many years you’ve been the biggest supporter of strong women, Rodriguez said to the Guardians of the Galaxy actor. “I’ve always appreciated that about you throughout the years and just know that if I ever post anything, that it’s not you I’m talking to.
In her Instagram post last week, Rodriguez wrote that she didn’t want to leave the beloved franchise, but would do so unless the women were shown some love.
The Girlfight actress has been critical in the past about how the women in the Fast franchise are treated — specifically in regard to the lack of interaction between them onscreen. For instance, she told Entertainment Weekly that the male writers don’t know how to write female characters.
Alongside a collage a photos from the set — including one of her and Diesel — Rodriguez wrote, “F8 is out digitally today, I hope they decide to show some love to the women of the franchise on the next one. Or I just might have to say goodbye to a loved franchise. It’s been a good ride & Im grateful for the opportunity the fans & studio have provided over the years… One Love.”
Diesel and Rodriguez’s characters, Dominic “Dom” Toretto and Letty Ortiz, are two of the most popular characters in the Fast films. The pair, who are longtime love interests in the films, have been close since The Fast and the Furious came out in 2001. So, it’s safe to say it would be a huge loss if Rodriguez left.
Diesel seemed to acknowledge Rodriguez’s concerns in the caption of the video, writing that he’s proud of the franchise, but believes it could be better.
"Proud of Our saga...but we must try to reach higher each time," Diesel wrote. "The challenge is what makes it fun and exciting. Its also why this saga has reached the level that it has...you have been the best fans in film history and we are forever grateful...Dom and Letty."
We totally gets where she’s coming from, but would be so sad to say goodbye to Letty! We hope Diesel and the other producers take Michelle Rodriguez’s concerns seriously so we see women kick more ass in future Fast installments!
