Kian Lawley, YouTuber and actor, will be replaced in the upcoming film The Hate U Give after a video of him saying racial slurs like the N-word surfaced on the internet. Didn’t you get the memo, buddy? This type of cruel behavior will no longer be tolerated in 2018.
Warning: This video contains offensive language.
In the video, Lawley makes a variety of disturbing comments, including, “We’re all black drinking purple Kool-aid and eating Kentucky fried motherf*king chicken.”
20th Century Fox confirmed to Variety that “due to the controversy surrounding his [Lawley’s] past comments and behavior,” any scenes with him will be reshot and his character, Chris, will be recast.
Considering what the movie is about, it makes Lawley’s comments even more controversial and unsettling. The Hate U Give (based on a book of the same name by Angie Thomas) tells the story of a girl named Starr, played by Amanda Stenberg, who is caught between the poor black neighborhood she lives in and the rich, white prep school she attends. The contrasts within her take an even bigger turn she witnesses her childhood best friend get shot by a police officer. The twist? She’s the only witness.
This sounds like a must-see movie as it sadly relates to today’s realities we continuously see on the news. Lawley, who has received obvious backlash for his actions in the video, has since spoken out.
if u don’t learn from ur mistakes, u can never grow as a person.
i’ve learned a lot & i am grateful to have the power to change. i never want to be who i was yesterday. we’re in a constant battle to become a better version of ourselves, use ur voice as ur weapon.
— Kian Lawley (@KianLawley) February 4, 2018
First of all, I am deeply sorry to those that were effected by my choice of language. I understand that I am in the public eye & have many supporters, but none of my actions that took place should be supported. Words have power and can do a lot damage. I own mine and I am sorry.
— Kian Lawley (@KianLawley) February 6, 2018
I respect Fox’s decision to recast this role for The Hate U Give as it is an important story, and it would not be appropriate for me to be involved considering the actions of my past. I understand the impact and I have grown a lot and learned since then.
— Kian Lawley (@KianLawley) February 6, 2018
With that being said, I am fully aware of the mistakes I have made and strive every day to become a better me than I was yesterday. We all have a voice, whether it’s big or small, we need to use it to spread love & light. From now on, I plan to use my voice for positive change.
— Kian Lawley (@KianLawley) February 6, 2018
Hopefully, his words hold some truth to them.
I’m grateful to see so many powerful companies and productions holding people, especially ones in the spotlight, accountable for their actions. May Lawley’s mistakes be a reminder to all.