Rita Moreno Apologizes for ‘Dismissive’ Comments About ‘In the Heights’ Colorism Debate

Rita Moreno at the 23rd Annual Critics' Choice Awards at Barker Hanger on January 11, 2018 in Santa Monica, CA — Photo by Jean_Nelson/Deposit Photos

Rita Moreno says she’s “disappointed” in herself after she was “clearly dismissive” of the Afro-Latinx experience when she defended Lin-Manuel Miranda during Tuesday’s episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

The Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winner walked back her comments in a Twitter thread posted a day later: “I’m incredibly disappointed with myself. While making a statement in defense of Lin-Manuel Miranda on the Colbert Show last night, I was clearly dismissive of Black lives that matter in our Latin community. It is so easy to forget how celebration for some is lament for others.”

She added a second tweet that read: “In addition to applauding Lin for his wonderful movie version of In The Heights, let me add my appreciation for his sensitivity and resolve to be more inclusive of the Afro-Latino community going forward. See, you CAN teach this old dog new tricks – RITA”

Related Story: ‘In the Heights’ Struggles as ‘A Quiet Place Part II’ Makes More Noise at Box Office

As previously reported, Miranda’s musical film In the Heights was blasted for what some Afro-Latinx fans felt was an intentional exclusion of darker-skinned Black Latinx actors from the lead roles. The producer and music composer responded by saying he is “truly sorry” for the film’s “shortcomings.”

In the Heights is currently playing in theaters and streaming on HBO Max.

Watch Moreno’s original comments below:


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About Jacquelinne Mejia

Jacquelinne Mejia is a writer and social media producer in Los Angeles. She can be reached on Twitter @JackieMejia.