Jada Pinkett Smith wants Oscars boycotted over lack of diversity

Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who starred in 2015’s Magic Mike XXL, has responded to the lack of diversity in this year’s Oscar nominations. Her response has questioned whether Hollywood figures from ethnic minority backgrounds should boycott the ceremony.

Writing on Twitter, the star of The Matrix Reloaded and Collateral expressed her views:

At the Oscars…people of color are always welcomed to give out awards…even entertain, (pt. 1)

— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) January 16, 2016

But we are rarely recognized for our artistic accomplishments. Should people of color refrain from participating all together? (pt 2)

— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) January 16, 2016

People can only treat us in the way in which we allow. With much respect in the midst of deep disappointment.
J (pt 3)

— Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapsmith) January 16, 2016

The hashtag #Oscarssowhite, created last year, has once again trended on Twitter. Straight Outta Compton producer Will Packer said the 2016 list of Oscar nominees was “embarrassing” in a lengthy Facebook post while Chris Rock called the show “the white BET awards”.