Over 100 Latinos sign open letter to Hollywood for 'Deep Cuts' fiasco - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Andrea Flores

January 30, 2026

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Over 100 prominent Latino actors, artists, and creatives have signed an open letter addressed to Hollywood, calling for accountability in casting practices following the recent controversy over A24’s *Deep Cuts*. The letter highlights systemic discrimination against Latinos in Hollywood, particularly in the lack of audition opportunities for Latina actors in roles meant for Latinas. This issue gained attention after Odessa A’zion dropped her role as Zoe Gutierrez in *Deep Cuts* due to backlash over her not being Latina, despite the character being explicitly described as half-Mexican and half-Jewish in the source material. Signatories including Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo, and Xochitl Gomez argue that the casting process for *Deep Cuts* exemplifies a broader pattern of exclusion. They reveal that Latina actors were pitched but excluded when an offer was extended to A’zion without transparency. This lack of opportunities reflects Hollywood’s long-standing underrepresentation of Latinos, with UCLA’s 2025 Hollywood Diversity Report showing Latinos make up just 1% of leading roles in top films and 6% in TV roles. The letter emphasizes that this is not an isolated incident but part of a systemic erasure of Latino talent. The signatories demand greater inclusion of Latino actors in diverse, non-stereotypical roles and call for more Latino executives, writers, and producers to be involved in decision-making processes. They also urge Hollywood to invest in mentorship programs and opportunities to expand access for marginalized creatives. This plea underscores the ongoing struggle for representation, a fight that dates back decades, with historical examples including the Mexican government’s criticism of negative portrayals in the 1920s and the National Hispanic Media Coalition’s push for diversity in the 1990s. The letter is a powerful statement from voices who have long been overlooked or misrepresented in Hollywood. It highlights why this issue matters: accurate representation not only reflects the reality of diverse communities but also fosters understanding and inclusion. The demands made by these creatives are not just about one project or one actor—they’re about creating a

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 1/30/2026