Lin-Manuel Miranda is reflecting on an important diversity problem related to a new version of one of his works. The Hamilton creator discussed the criticism the recent cinematic adaptation of his 2008 musical In The Heights has faced via Twitter on Monday, sharing a heartfelt apology for overlooking the issue of colorism.
Miranda acknowledges audience's "hurt and frustration"
Miranda wrote the music for In The Heights, which became a hit after it premiered on Broadway in 2008. Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu helmed the film version of the musical, which has been critically praised. But despite the fact that the movie has a predominantly Latinx cast, many have pointed out that it still features light-skinned actors.
"I started writing In The Heights because I didn't feel seen," Miranda began his Twitter response. "And over the past 20 years all I wanted was for us-ALL of us-to feel seen." He also mentioned that he is aware of "the hurt and frustration" the Afro-Latino community members who don't see themselves represented by In The Heights feel.
Miranda expresses his desire "to do better in my future projects"
Miranda then said he understands how In The Heights "feels extractive of the community we wanted so much to represent with pride and joy" for those who don't feel seen. He also said he's aware that the film "fell short" of truly capturing the diversity of the community, apologizing for it.
The show's creator mentioned that he's "trying to hold space for both the incredible pride in the movie we made and be accountable for my shortcomings." He also thanked those who were critical of In The Heights' colorism, vowing "to do better in my future projects."
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This isn't the first time Miranda has taken to Twitter to issue an apology regarding a race-related issue. When the Black Lives Matter movement rose to prominence last year, the actor and Broadway star made a tweet apologizing for Hamilton's delay in denouncing systemic racism.
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