By Poelano Malema
The singer was criticised over her decision to cast Maddie Ziegler as a character with autism, rather than a non-neurotypical actress.
Sia’s debut film, ‘Music’, is finally out. It marks Sia’s directorial debut. The film stars Kate Hudson, Maddie Ziegler, and Leslie Odom Jr.
The movie was nominated for the Best Motion Picture–Musical or Comedy at the 78th Golden Globe Awards.
“This movie is a love letter to everyone who has ever felt they didn’t have a voice. What an incredible, exciting and unbelievable experience,” Sia wrote on Instagram.
However, Sia’s movie has rubbed many people the wrong way.
The 45-year-old was criticised for casting a non-autistic actor, Maddie Ziegler, to play an autistic role.
Sia defended herself by saying she tried to get an autistic actor but felt “more compassionate to use Maddie”.
“I did try. It felt more compassionate to use Maddie. That was my call…”I cast thirteen neuroatypical people, three trans folk, and not as f****** prostitutes or drug addicts but s as doctors, nurses and singers. F****** sad nobody’s even seen the dang movie. My heart has always been in the right place.(sic)” she Tweeted.
But many people were not impressed with her response. Sia has since deleted her Twitter account.
Watch the trailer of the film below.
Image courtesy of YouTube screenshot.