Photo: Disney
The voice behind Princess Tiana is speaking out about the controversy surrounding her beloved character’s skin tone in the newWreck-It Ralphmovie.
Anika Noni Rose, who voiced Tiana in 2008’sThePrincess and the Frog, posted a lengthy message on her Instagram late Monday night explaining how she was “as surprised” as fans were to see Disney’s first African-American Disney princess with “lighter skin and much sharper features” in a teaser for the new movie,Ralph Breaks the Internet.
“Aside from my personal feelings, I noted how people felt online (and in my dms) and I was glad to see that people are still very much in love with and supportive of our Princess,” Rose wrote. “My team and I immediately put in a call to the studio to talk about the visual changes, and three weeks ago I had a meeting in person with theWreck-It Ralphteam, my original animator Mark Henn, and others.”
News broke on Monday that Disney had worked to darken the princess’ skin tone and make her features more like the original, including a rounder nose and darker eye color. Rose explained in her statement that the original animator stepped in after they took her through how the transition to CGI animation changed the character’s appearance.
Jesse Grant/Getty Images; Disney (10)
The actress also thanked Disney for working to correct the issue after it was brought up, including an in-person meeting where she was shown the steps they were taking to restore Princess Tiana. She also posted a picture of her outside the studio and wrote how it “never gets old walking those halls” and being a part of the legacy.
“I also appreciate that this far into the process Disney had enough care and respect for all who love Princess Tiana and her legacy to spend the time and money to make the adjustments necessary,” Rose continued. “In doing so, they recognize that her legacy is also their legacy; two things I’m very proud to be a part of”
Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2hits theaters Nov. 21.
source: people.com
