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The core of the controversy lies in the real history of Dahomey and its military, which, in some accounts, was involved in enslaving and selling Africans into the slave trade—practices that directly conflict with the heroic narrative depicted in the film. As details emerged, some argued that The Woman King sanitized or omitted these atrocities to craft a more palatable, uncontroversial story.
Viola Davis’s Bold Statements and the Push for Support
Viola Davis, the film’s star and a prominent supporter of the project, became a focal point in the debate. She actively urged audiences to support the film by highlighting that not supporting it was akin to denying black women the opportunity to be leads on the big screen.