‘Romeo and Juliet’ creator hits back at ‘deplorable’ racism as stars face online abuse

Romeo and Juliet Theater star Francesca Ameuda-Rivers was recently targeted because of her race after casting was announced.

The Jamie Lloyd Company issued a statement on Friday, April 5, saying “online abuse must stop” and stressing that any further harassment will be reported to higher authorities.

This comes after the entire cast Romeo and Juliet The announcement included Tom Holland and Francesca Amewudah-Rivers in the first-team squad, alongside Freema Agyeman Freema Agyeman, Michael Balogun, Tomiwa Edun, Mia Jerome, Daniel Quinn-Toye and Ray Sesay.

“Following our announcement of the cast of ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ a tragic stream of racial abuse against members of our company surfaced online,” the statement further read.

“This has to stop. We are working with a group of exceptional artists. We insist they are free to create their work without facing online harassment.”

The company assured that it will “continue to do whatever it takes to support and protect everyone in our company. Any abuse will not be tolerated and will be reported. Bullying and harassment have no place online, in our industry or in the wider community” existing.”

Speaking of positivity, the company said the show’s rehearsal room was “full of joy, compassion, and kindness.”

It added: “We celebrate the extraordinary talents of our incredible collaborators. The Romeo and Juliet community will continue to rehearse with generosity and love and focus on the creation of our work.”

Mark as spiderman Stars Holland in first dramatic role since debut Billy Elliot: The MusicalThe play is scheduled to be performed at the Duke of York’s Theater from May 11 to August 3, 2024.