The actor was set to play Chris in "The Hate U Give," a film based on Angie Thomas's 2017 novel of the same name, but he's out after a video surfaced of him making racist remarks. A studio spokesperson addressed the issue Monday, saying that the decision stemmed from "the controversy surrounding his past comments and behavior," according to EW. His role is going to be recast, and reshoots may be needed.
Lawley responded on Twitter Sunday, after the video had surfaced, and he highlighted the importance of learning and changing. However, his tweet didn't include an apology, which many people noted.
if u don't learn from ur mistakes, u can never grow as a person.
— Kian Lawley (@KianLawley) February 4, 2018
i've learned a lot & i am grateful to have the power to change. i never want to be who i was yesterday. we're in a constant battle to become a better version of ourselves, use ur voice as ur weapon.
Lawley issued another statement after being fired, and this time, he very clearly apologized. The actor also said that he respects the studio's decision and that "it would not be appropriate" for him to keep his part given what he did. Racism is a major theme in "The Hate U Give," as it tells the story of a black teen named Starr (Amandla Stenberg), who witness the shooting of her unarmed friend by a police officer.
"Words have power and can do damage," he said, according to EW. "I own mine and I am sorry. I respect Fox's decision to recast this role for 'The Hate U Give' as it is an important story, and it would not be appropriate for me to be involved considering the actions of my past. I understand the impact and I have grown and learned since then. From now on I plan to use my voice for positive change."
"The Hate U Give" began filming in September, and there is now more work left to be done.