Arts & Entertainment
Scarlett Johansson pulls out of ‘Rub & Tug’ amid casting controversy
The actress received criticism for portraying a transgender man
Scarlett Johansson (Photo by Dick Thomas Johnson via Wikimedia Commons)
Scarlett Johansson has dropped out of the film “Rub & Tug” following backlash for accepting a transgender role as a cis-gender woman.
Johansson had been cast as Dante “Tex” Gill, a transgender man who operated a string of massage parlors that were fronts for brothels in Pittsburgh.
There was immediate criticism for the decision with transgender actresses such as Trace Lysette and Jamie Clayton slamming Hollywood for the double standard of trans characters being given to cis-gender actors and not vice versa.
In response, Johansson issued a statement to Bustle saying, “Tell them that they can be directed to Jeffrey Tambor, Jared Leto, and Felicity Huffman’s reps for comment.”
Now, in a statement to Out, Johansson has announced she is dropping out of the film.
“In light of recent ethical questions raised surrounding my casting as Dante Tex Gill, I have decided to respectfully withdraw my participation in the project,” Johansson said. “Our cultural understanding of transgender people continues to advance, and I’ve learned a lot from the community since making my first statement about my casting and realize it was insensitive. I have great admiration and love for the trans community and am grateful that the conversation regarding inclusivity in Hollywood continues.”
“Rub & Tug” would have been another collaboration between Johansson and the film’s director Rupert Sanders. The pair previously worked together on the Japanese film adaptation of “Ghost in the Shell” where Johansson also received criticism for whitewashing her role.
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
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We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
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The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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