Nope actress Keke Palmer has weighed in on the colourism debate surrounding herself and Dune's Zendaya.
Last month, one fan's tweet ignited a conversation about Palmer and Zendaya's comparative success through the prism of skin tones. "They were both child-stars, but their mainstream popularity is very different," it read.
At the time, Palmer pointed out on her own social media: "A great example of colourism is to believe I can be compared to anyone. I'm the youngest talk show host ever. The first Black woman to star in her own show on Nickelodeon, & the youngest & first Black Cinderella on broadway. I'm an incomparable talent. Baby, THIS, is Keke Palmer."
Related: Spider-Man's Andrew Garfield and Zendaya only met one day before filming "intense" scene
The Big Mouth and Lightyear voice artist further stressed: "I've been a leading lady since I was 11 years old. I have over 100+ credits, and currently starring in an original screenplay that's the number one film at the box office #NOPE. I've had a blessed career thus far, I couldn't ask for more but God continues to surprise me."
Following her tweets, Tyla spoke to Palmer about why she felt compelled to address this head-on.
"My focus has always been on my personal journey; thinking about being further than I was yesterday and thinking about where I came from and the odds that have been against me. I feel so proud about everything I have accomplished," she said.
"The great thing about life is that it is a marathon, not a race, and I can only imagine what is left around the corner for me."
Related: Keke Palmer delivers empowering Black Lives Matter speech at MTV VMAs
Palmer went on to say that there's still so much to improve on regarding Black representation on screen.
"The thing that makes me the happiest is I am happy to see Black representation behind the scenes too. People like Jordan Peele, Issa Rae, Shonda Rhimes, Ava DuVernay – all these different people doing work behind the scenes – when we talk about change, this is where it comes from and what we want to see.
"Democratising the industry and letting people know that there is more space in film that don't have to do with being the talent but also being the voices, the spaces and the brains behind these things," she explained.
"That is what makes the difference. That's when we will even get further with representation – when people get to see themselves in front and behind the camera."
Nope arrives in UK cinemas this Friday (August 12).
Best Entertainment and Tech Deals
Coronation Street X Joanie - Gilroy Retro Newton And Ridley Sweatshirt
Reporter, Digital Spy
Dan is a freelance entertainment journalist. Beginning his writing career in 2014, Dan's work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst magazine and Little White Lies before moving onto Total Film, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Entertainment.
In the film and TV universe, he kneels at the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.
