She’s still here — with an apology.
Fernanda Torres released a statement over the weekend apologizing for wearing blackface in a resurfaced comedy skit from the Brazilian TV show “Fantastico” 17 years ago.
“Almost twenty years ago, I appeared in blackface in a comedy sketch from a Brazilian TV show,” the Oscar-nominated “I’m Still Here” actress said to Deadline. “I am very sorry for this. I’m making this statement as it is important for me to address this swiftly to avoid further pain and confusion.”
Torres continued, “At that time, despite the efforts of Black movements and organizations, the awareness of the racist history and symbolism of blackface hadn’t yet entered the mainstream public consciousness in Brazil. Thanks to better cultural understanding and important but incomplete achievements in this century, it’s very clear now in our country and everywhere that blackface is never acceptable.”
“This is an important conversation we must continue to have with one another in order to prevent the normalization of racist practices then and now,” Torres said. “As an artist and global citizen, and from my open heart, I remain attentive and committed to the pursuit of vital changes needed to live in a world free from inequality and racism.”
The Post has reached out to Torres’ rep for comment.
In the controversial sketch, called “The Opposite Sex: The Family (Father Vs. Mother),” Torres and a male co-star play multiple characters who address whether mothers or fathers are more important to families.
Torres wears blackface and acts in an exaggerated manner to portray a housekeeper, who is hired by a couple to help with their chores.
The sketch went viral on social media this weekend and sparked backlash from X users.
“The Fernanda Torres blackface video is insane actually???? ppl trying to justify it are sooo wrong for that,” one person tweeted.
“Fernanda Torres doing Black face was not on my Oscar’s bingo card. This award season has truly been a hot mess,” said another user.
Torres was recently nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “I’m Still Here,” where she plays a mother and activist dealing with the forced disappearance of her politician husband.
The Brazilian star is up against Demi Moore, Karla Sofia Gascon, Mikey Madison and Cynthia Erivo in the Best Actress category. The film was also nominated for Best Picture.
Torres’ performance earned her a Golden Globe award earlier this month. In her speech, she dedicated the honor to her actress mom Fernanda Montenegro, 95, who was nominated in the same category 26 years earlier.
“This is proof that art can endure through life, even in difficult moments,” Torres said.
