Netflix has removed a Latina housekeeper from Uncoupled. It stars Neil Patrick Harris. This was after an actor who had previously read it and called it “hurtful” and “derogatory.”
Next year’s release of the show will see Harris play a gay man who finds himself in New York after his 17-year marriage ends.
The series premiere episode was written in September with a minor role for a Latina cleaning lady named Carmen. She loves Harris.
After Ada Maris (64) read for the part and wrote an open letter, Harris and Darren Star (the creator of many popular programs such as Beverly Hills 90210 and Melrose Place) decided to end the gig.
Maris shared her letter with Variety after she read it for the role. She told Variety that Maris thought the housekeeper was stereotypically flat and uninteresting.
‘When I opened it and saw that it wasn’t even funny – it was hurtful and derogatory – I was shocked because I walked in expecting something very different given the way things are nowadays and the progress we’ve made,’ the Mexican-American actress, whose real name is Ada Marentes, griped to the outlet of the role.
‘When I opened it and saw that it wasn’t even funny – it was hurtful and derogatory – I was shocked because I walked in expecting something very different given the way things are nowadays and the progress we’ve made,’ Mexican-American actress Ada Maris, whose real name is Ada Marentes, said of the role, after reading a script on September 27
Variety reports that Carmen is introduced to the audience in the first episode of the series. This script was written by Maris.
She is ‘hysterical’ on the phone with Harris’ character and speaks in broken English about a suspected robbery.
“Mister! I got here just now and they stole!” The outlet reports that the character speaks in thick stereotypical accents. ‘They stole! They will rob you! I don’t know how they get in.’
Carmen holds a glass Harris leaves behind in the sink, and she says: “No, that’s not what I do.” You don’t clean good, you always leave a ring.’
Maris claimed she was angry at the stereotypical portrayal of Latina housekeepers. Maris suggested that there should be a shift toward more detailed and multilayered representations of Latinx characters.
Harris was an executive producer of the series but did not participate in the writing or casting of Carmen. Next year’s premiere of the series will follow a gay man played by Harris, who finds himself thrust into New York’s dating scene following his sudden departure from his wife.
Maris also sent Maris’ letter to Darren Star, the show’s creator – the man behind programs such as Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, and Sex and the City.
Maris was a well-known actress for roles in TV series Mayans MC and Star Trek: Enterprise. She also wrote an open letter to Harris, Star and Star. Variety shared it with her, chastising Harris and Star for participating in a show that featured over-the-top portrayals of marginalized groups.
Maris has starred in TV series Star Trek: Enterprise (pictured), Mayans MC, and the 1986 NBC drama Nurses
You are modern gay men. What would it be like to play or watch an old, stereotypically gay role? Variety reported Maris’ statement in the letter.
Variety reported that Netflix apologized profusely to Maris and stated that she was not a part of the series.
‘We’re sorry that Ms. Maris had a negative experience,’ a Netflix spokesman said.
Network then stated that the character would not be appearing in the series.
Harris, an executive producer on the series, was not involved in writing the episode or the casting of the contentious Carmen role – but it’s still unclear if the part was written out of the series because of Maris’ publicized objections to the actor and Star.
Netflix revealed five support cast members to Uncoupled, and Carmen wasn’t one of those roles.
Maris explained to Variety that people sometimes have to be okay with their discomfort. I would like them to reconsider this. It is a terrible thing that this does to anyone. This applies equally to Latinos as well as non-Latino persons.
‘I’m just fed up,’ she then proclaimed. “I only want” [writers]To think about what they might do next time they create a character such as that. I’m speaking out for the younger actors coming up so they face even less of that than my generation has.
The actress said that young people can be impressionable. “These images influence our perceptions of ourselves.” That’s why it’s really important that the portrayals be more realistic, not hurtful. This is how we can see ourselves as they really are.
Variety reported that Netflix apologized profusely to Maris for the incident and stated that Maris was no longer a character on the show.