Posted on October 13, 2006

Jolie In Race Debate Over Role

News.com.au, Oct. 12, 2006

Angelina Jolie has sparked a race row by playing a mixed-race woman in her latest film.

The Hollywood beauty has been cast as the widow of murdered US journalist Daniel Pearl in A Mighty Heart — which is being produced by Angelina’s partner Brad Pitt.

The casting decision has angered black campaign groups who are furious a white woman has been chosen for the role.

One outraged person wrote on website blacklooks.org: “I had assumed the days when white actors took on roles of black people had long passed.”

Another wrote: “You can’t tell me Halle Berry, Judy Reyes or other women of African descent wouldn’t have been a better choice.”

Oscar winner Angelina plays French freelance reporter Mariane Pearl, who was five months pregnant when her husband was kidnapped by Islamic extremists in Pakistan in 2002.

The Wall Street Journal reporter was later beheaded. Despite the furore surrounding the film, the real-life Mariane, 39, is pleased that Angelina will be playing her in the movie.

She said: “I’m delighted Angelina Jolie will be playing my role. I deeply admire her work.”

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