Netflix has been accused of “whitewashing” by the host of one of its original programmes.
Comedian Nicole Byer, who is black, hosts bake-off competition Nailed It! on the streaming service and was unhappy when a fan pointed out her two white, male co-stars were used in a thumbnail for the show.
According to an image shared to Twitter, co-host Jacques Torres and Wes, who is listed as an assistant director but appears in front of the camera, are used to promote the series.
I would talk about how this essentially white washing for more views. But they sign my checks and I’m honestly so happy and greatful to and for the show and no sarcasm I love my job and wish to keep it so I’ll be quiet.
— nicole byer (@nicolebyer) May 29, 2019
Writing on Twitter, Byer said: “If Netflix didn’t sign my checks and give me a huge platform and opportunity to showcase my comedy.
“I would talk about how f***** up and disrespectful this is to me a black woman. Also how black women are a lot of times erased from many different conversations.
“I would talk about how it makes me know my true value as the host of the show where I work incredibly hard to elevate the material given to me. Lot of moments people love are improvised.
“I would talk about how this essentially white washing for more views. But they sign my checks and I’m honestly so happy and greatful (sic) to and for the show and no sarcasm I love my job and wish to keep it so I’ll be quiet.”
Whitewashing in the entertainment industry is a term usually used to describe white people being cast in historically non-white character roles or in roles which are scripted for non-white characters.
Byers later added that there are thumbnails with and without her face, but the one shown to her “seems for lack of a better word deliberate”.
Netflix has been contacted for comment.