Part 5/10:
What truly fuels the controversy are Hedland’s own words. An old audition tape, resurfaced recently, shows her making provocative statements about race and gender dynamics in Hollywood. In the clip, she outspokenly criticizes white women in Hollywood, urging them to “step up their game,” and emphasizes the importance of diversity and representation. She advocates for explicitly hiring writers and directors of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, framing it as a way for Hollywood insiders to feel like allies.