Sia defends her decision to cast Maddie as an autistic teen in movie Music

[Teletubby 145,410]

Sia has spoken out about her decision to cast Maddie Ziegler to play an autistic character in her new musical, during an Australian TV interview on Wednesday. 

When asked about the criticism by journalist Angela Bishop on Wednesday's 10 News First, Sia bit back: 'There is no way I could have used someone of Maddie's level of functioning to play her. I also needed a dancer, for [the character's] imaginary life.' "
 

Sia wrote and directed Music, which centres around an autistic teen, who, due to unforeseen circumstances, ends up in the care of her drug-dealer half-sister Zu, played by Kate Hudson.

Sia added: 'It's not a documentary. Kate isn't a drug dealer and Leslie Odom Jr. [who plays Ebo] isn't from Ghana.' 

source

[Guest Adarsh]

I know Ryan Murphy is not the perfect filmmaker when it comes to diversity but this instance made me appreciate him for casting Jamie Brewer, an actual actor with Down Syndrome to play a character with that condition in the first season of AHS. And she was absolutely amazing in that role. Just wanted to put it out there.
 

[bionic 48,511]

So there are no autistic actresses who are capable of dancing? In the entire world? Really?

 

why not just admit you wanted the role to be played by your protege (this is same girl from Sias music videos) and move on

[Roboboy 3,751]

I agree with her. I think this whole thing is SO stupid and senseless. She even said she tried to work with somebody who was on the character's level of functionality and they found it distressing. 

[Hyoha 1,612]

Why is Sia tackling the whole autism topic with this project? Is she or someone close to her autistic?

[blzr 1,563]

It’s Sia’s movie she can cast whoever she wants. 
 

And btw isn’t that what actors are supposed to do? Play something they aren’t? 

[4BLAiNE 1,240]

As an actor myself - it is a very dangerous situation to start to insist that the only way a role can be considered ‘true to’ or ‘respectful’ to a condition / situation / sexuality, is for that role to be played by someone with said condition. 
 

The entire essence of performance is to tell stories of those we may not ‘be’ - but those we respect enough to research and portray in a way that is as true to representation as possible. I became an actor for that exact reason - because I wanted to be enlightened and informed by learning about people different to me - to make me less ignorant to their circumstances.
 

I think people need to watch this film before making any accusation of misrepresentation. By all means, criticise the portrayal if it isn’t accurate / respectful, but I feel this outrage is unfounded at this point.

[PhantomOfTheDance 13,788]

18 minutes ago, Hyoha said:

Why is Sia tackling the whole autism topic with this project? Is she or someone close to her autistic?

She wanted to make it for her friend who is similar to the main character.

[Taylucifer 5,120]

she has handled this whole thing terribly and I'm embarrassed for her

[Roboboy 3,751]

5 minutes ago, 4BLAiNE said:

As an actor myself - it is a very dangerous situation to start to insist that the only way a role can be considered ‘true to’ or ‘respectful’ to a condition / situation / sexuality, is for that role to be played by someone with said condition. 
 

The entire essence of performance is to tell stories of those we may not ‘be’ - but those we respect enough to research and portray in a way that is as true to representation as possible. I became an actor for that exact reason - because I wanted to be enlightened and informed by learning about people different to me - to make me less ignorant to their circumstances.
 

I think people need to watch this film before making any accusation of misrepresentation. By all means, criticise the portrayal if it isn’t accurate / respectful, but I feel this outrage is unfounded at this point.

SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK ICON

[TSUNAMI 20,879]

56 minutes ago, Adarsh said:

I know Ryan Murphy is not the perfect filmmaker when it comes to diversity but this instance made me appreciate him for casting Jamie Brewer, an actual actor with Down Syndrome to play a character with that condition in the first season of AHS. And she was absolutely amazing in that role. Just wanted to put it out there.
 

AHS SPOILER 

Spoiler

Wasnt she back for Apocalypse? 

I fell in love with here! People with down syndrom have a special place in my heart. They are so innocent and pure. 

 

[TSUNAMI 20,879]

Considering the fact that 70% of male actors are gay that were playing str8 roles is making me giggle. 

[Guest Adarsh]

Just now, TSUNAMI said:

AHS SPOILER 

  Hide contents

Wasnt she back for Apocalypse? 

I fell in love with here! People with down syndrom have a special place in my heart. They are so innocent and pure. 

 

Yes she was on that season and the best part is that Ryan kept casting her for multiple seasons. She’s so pure and talented 

[TSUNAMI 20,879]

1 minute ago, Adarsh said:

Yes she was on that season and the best part is that Ryan kept casting her for multiple seasons. She’s so pure and talented 

I was really ashamed when I saw her acting to be honest. 

I have a cousin with a Down syndrome that wouldn't be able to act and has huge life issues which made me ignorant and I always thought of them as incapable. 

They are capable. 

They are smart. 

They are good. 

They can love. 

 

I'm glad she changed my perspective. 

[weed 72,996]

Why is she acting like she didn’t just straight up give the role to Maddie lol were there auditions at all!!! Did u even entertain the idea of anyone else being the star mama