Shonda Rhimes is the latest celebrity to voice their opinions about the lack of diversity in Hollywood.
While accepting the Norman Lear Achievement Award at the Producers Guild Awards, Rhimes said it’s easy for her to reflect diversity in her shows because that’s the reality of life: there are diverse people in the world.
“It’s not trailblazing to write the world as it actually is,” she said. “Women are smart and strong. They are not sex toys or damsels in distress. People of color are not sassy or dangerous or wise. And, believe me, people of color are never anybody’s sidekick in real life.”
Rhimes also challenged the Hollywood influencers in the room, asking them why they themselves weren’t reflecting reality in their shows:
“What are we waiting for?” she said. “I mean, I know this is a room full of producers, so probably you’re waiting for money. Clearly, money.”
Leave it to Shonda for an eloquent read of the Academy.
