Scarlett Johansson has officially left the transgender biopic film Rub and Tug after receiving public backlash for accepting the role.
Johansson gave her statement exclusively to the LGBTQ website and magazine Out, detailing her reasons for withdrawing from the role as Dante Tex Gill, a transgender gangster who rose to prominence in the 70’s and 80’s.
“In light of recent ethical questions raised surrounding my casting as Dante Tex Gill, I have decided to respectfully withdraw my participation in the project,” said Johansson. “Our cultural understanding of transgender people continues to advance, and I’ve learned a lot from the community since making my first statement about my casting and realize it was insensitive.”