Cameron Crowe Apologizes & Defends Casting Emma Stone As Asian Character

Cameron Crowe is speaking out following the backlash surrounding the casting of Emma Stone as a part native Hawaiian/part Chinese character in “Aloha.”

The director-writer penned a lengthy response to his critics on his website about his latest movie, which he calls a “misunderstood” project.

“Thank you so much for all the impassioned comments regarding the casting of the wonderful Emma Stone in the part of Allison Ng. I have heard your words and your disappointment, and I offer you a heart-felt apology to all who felt this was an odd or misguided casting choice. As far back as 2007, Captain Allison Ng was written to be a super-proud ¼ Hawaiian who was frustrated that, by all outward appearances, she looked nothing like one. A half-Chinese father was meant to show the surprising mix of cultures often prevalent in Hawaii. Extremely proud of her unlikely heritage, she feels personally compelled to over-explain every chance she gets. The character was based on a real-life, red-headed local who did just that,” the filmmaker wrote.

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Despite the backlash surrounding Emma’s casting, Cameron went on to defend the movie.

“Whether that story point felt hurtful or humorous has been, of course, the topic of much discussion. However I am so proud that in the same movie, we employed many Asian-American, Native-Hawaiian and Pacific-Islanders, both before and behind the camera… including Dennis ‘Bumpy’ Kanahele, and his village, and many other locals who worked closely in our crew and with our script to help ensure authenticity,” he continued.

The director, who is best known for “Almost Famous” and “Say Anything,” explained that any blame should be directed towards him and not the actress.

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“I am grateful for the dialogue. And from the many voices, loud and small, I have learned something very inspiring. So many of us are hungry for stories with more racial diversity, more truth in representation, and I am anxious to help tell those stories in the future,” he added.

— Jesse Spero

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