The EP behind Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra docu-drama has defended the casting of an actor of mixed heritage descent in the title role, stating that Adele James reflects the “multicultural nature of ancient Egypt.”
21.04.2023 - 20:03 / nme.com
Netflix‘s upcoming docudrama Queen Cleopatra has addressed the backlash over casting a Black actress in the lead role.Casualty star Adele James was announced as the lead of the series in April, but criticism soon followed in Egypt, with many accusing the docudrama of “blackwashing” the country’s history. One lawyer even filed lawsuit against Netflix, claiming the series had contradicted and distorted Egyptian history in favour of promoting Afrocentrism.However, in a new piece for Variety, director Tina Gharayi hit back at critics, arguing “it’s more likely that Cleopatra looked like Adele than Elizabeth Taylor,” who famously portrayed the historical figure in 1963’s Cleopatra.“For me, the idea that people had gotten it so incredibly wrong before — historically, from Theda Bara to Monica Bellucci, and recently, with Angelina Jolie and Gal Gadot in the running to play her — meant we had to get it even more right,” wrote Gharayi.“Why shouldn’t Cleopatra be a melanated sister? And why do some people need Cleopatra to be white? Her proximity to whiteness seems to give her value, and for some Egyptians it seems to really matter.”She continued: “After much hang-wringing and countless auditions, we found in Adele James an actor who could convey not only Cleopatra’s beauty but also her strength.
What the historians can confirm is that it is more likely that Cleopatra looked like Adele than Elizabeth Taylor ever did.”She added: “Perhaps, it’s not just that I’ve directed a series that portrays Cleopatra as Black, but that I have asked Egyptians to see themselves as Africans, and they are furious at me for that. I am okay with this.“So, was Cleopatra Black? We don’t know for sure, but we can be certain she wasn’t white like
.The EP behind Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra docu-drama has defended the casting of an actor of mixed heritage descent in the title role, stating that Adele James reflects the “multicultural nature of ancient Egypt.”
Adele James is breaking her silence about the controversy over her upcoming Netflix series, Queen Cleopatra.
Viewers of "American Idol" were treated to a regal surprise Sunday evening in the form of two newly crowned royals while watching the latest live episode of the long-running competition show. Phoning in from across the pond and broadcasted on a big screen were judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, taking a night off from critiquing performances to give ones of their own. Both Perry and Richie were tapped to perform at King Charles' coronation concert.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s unexpected cameo during Sunday’s “American Idol” was almost as big a surprise for Ryan Seacrest as it was for everyone watching.
King Charles and Queen Camilla's Coronation concert yesterday evening was a star-studded occasion filled with incredible performances and comical appearances from The Muppets iconic characters.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla's unexpected cameo during Sunday's was almost as big a surprise for Ryan Seacrest as it was for everyone watching.Following Sunday's new episode of, Seacrest spoke with ET's Denny Directo, and explained how quickly the high-profile cameos came together.«I have to tell you, I was driving in and my phone rings and it's the executive producer and she says, 'Well, we've got some news,'» Seacrest shared. «I thought maybe something happened [with a contestant].
Kate Middleton and Prince William were joined during the celebration at Windsor Castle by their two oldest children, Prince George, 9, and Princess Charlotte, 8. Prince Louis was notably absent.According to the commentator, the concert began way past Louis' bedtime, and his parents decided to keep him home.
King Charles and Queen Camilla‘s Coronation was a family affair!
and Queen Camilla, a hugely historic event. So it's no wonder the royal chose to touchingly honor both the late and with her choice of jewelry.To pay tribute to the two royal women who came before her, the Princess of Wales wore the late Queen's George VI Festoon necklace, three tiers of stunning diamonds which was originally created in 1950 as a gift from King George VI to his daughter, then Princess Elizabeth before being crowned Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.Kate also honored Princess Diana by , which she's worn many times before.Kate Middleton attending the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.Princess Diana wearing the pearl earrings during a visit to South Korea in 1992, her last official trip.Queen Elizabeth II wearing the George VI Festoon necklace at Buckingham Palace 2018.The Princess of Wales wore formal regal robes and a deep blue Royal Victorian Order mantle edged in scarlet—at the request of the King and Queen—over .
The weather is not holding up for King Charles’ Coronation and his wife Queen Camilla needed some assistance to make sure her dress didn’t get ruined by the wet ground.
Sound the alarms! It looks like we have a whole new royal feud on our hands!
“Queen Charlotte” actor Corey Mylchreest thinks it’s best to look at King George’s illness without a solid diagnosis, but he does share the roots of George’s poor mental health.Viewers start to get glimpses into the king’s “fits” as Charlotte spends more time around him. His love for astronomy crosses over into what look like hallucinations in which the king confuses reality for the galaxy.
Getting ready for the big day! With King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s coronation just days away, the royal couple took part in an overnight rehearsal that gave a glimpse of the elaborate festivities ahead.
When former EastEnders actor John Partridge took on the role of Julius Caesar in Jada Pinkett Smith’s new Netflix docudrama about the life of Queen Cleopatra, he thought its modern storytelling would stir controversy. But even John, 52 – who has worked in showbusiness for more than three decades – was taken aback by the extremity of views against the new series. In fact, ever since the programme was announced, members of the cast have been sent a barrage of horrendous messages over why Adele James, a mixed-race actress, has been cast as Cleopatra.
Queen Camilla‘s coronation day wardrobe will include something that Queen Elizabeth first wore when she was crowned Queen.
The controversy over Netflix‘s Queen Cleopatra limited series is getting more dramatic.
Egypt’s Supreme Council Of Antiquities (SCA) has added its voice to the row over the portrayal of Cleopatra as a Black woman in Netflix’s upcoming docudrama Queen Cleopatra.
Queen‘s Roger Taylor has responded to rumours that his son Rufus is joining Foo Fighters as their new live drummer.Rufus Taylor – the Godson of the late Taylor Hawkins, and current member of The Darkness – performed on-stage with the Foos at last year’s huge Hawkins tribute concerts, which took place in London and Los Angeles.He was one of the numerous guest drummers to join Dave Grohl and co at the emotional shows, appearing alongside the likes of Travis Barker, Nandi Bushell and Hawkins’ teenage son Shane.Last week saw Foo Fighters return with ‘Rescued’, their first single since Hawkins’ death in March 2022. With it, the band shared details of their 11th studio album ‘But Here We Are’ (out June 2).Next month, the group will hit the road for a run of festival appearances and US headline shows.
Tina Gharavi is speaking out about portraying Cleopatra as black in the upcoming Netflix mini-series, Queen Cleopatra.
Queen Camilla‘s son is speaking out about her relationship with King Charles as the couple prepares for the coronation next month.