“Who is this woman, Lee Daniels?” Strange comments from the director about Glenn Close

On September 4, filmmaker Lee Daniels found himself at the center of controversy on social media after a comment he made about Glenn Close’s character in his new Netflix thriller, The liberationDaniels referred to Close’s character, Alberta, as “the fabric of our community,” a statement that immediately sparked outrage, particularly on Black Twitter. The comment reignited debates around Black culture, representation in media, and the importance of protecting the authenticity of Black imagery in entertainment.

The controversial comment

Following the success of The liberationIn her latest episode, which quickly became Netflix’s most-watched title, Daniels shared her thoughts on X (formerly Twitter) about the inspiration behind Alberta, the white, chain-smoking mother of Andra Day’s biracial character. In an attempt to praise Close’s performance, Daniels tweeted: “Every Black person knows an Alberta. She’s part of the fabric of our community, but we’ve never seen her on screen before.”

While Daniels likely wanted to emphasize the authenticity of the character, her words quickly sparked backlash. Social media users, especially within the black community, questioned her depiction of a white woman as an integral part of black cultural identity.

Immediate reaction and concerns about representation

Black Twitter, in particular, was quick to react, with users expressing their confusion and disapproval:

“Is a white woman ‘part of the fabric of our community’?”

“WHOSE COMMUNITY IS IT? WHO IS OURS?”

“The movie was great and Glenn was amazing, but calling it ‘the essence of our community’ is crazy, Lee.”

These responses reflect a deeper concern about representation and cultural authenticity. Daniels’ comment struck a chord because it highlighted the ongoing struggle over who defines black culture and the importance of protecting that identity. To many, her remark seemed to downplay the importance of black women, who are often the true “fabric” of black communities, particularly in family and community settings.

Protecting Black Culture and Image

The controversy surrounding Daniels’ comment speaks to a broader issue within media: the importance of protecting Black culture from misrepresentation and appropriation. Black culture has historically been shaped by a distinct set of experiences, from resilience in the face of systemic oppression to creating joy, creativity, and solidarity within communities. When filmmakers like Daniels, who have significant cultural influence, make statements that seem to blur the line between authentic Black experiences and the experiences of white characters, they risk diluting the cultural imaginary that is central to Black identity.

Many critics argue that a character like Alberta, while possibly based on real people Daniels has encountered, should not be labeled as representative of Black culture. White characters, no matter how appealing, cannot embody the struggles, resilience, and nuances that come with being part of the Black community. This is especially important in Hollywood, where Black narratives have historically been marginalized and often misrepresented. For a Black filmmaker to elevate a white character in this way raises critical questions about the authenticity of the cultural stories being told.

Despite the backlash, Daniels has remained steadfast in defending her comments. She even reposted a tweet expressing her affection for “a white girl from the hood,” further complicating the debate. Her response reflects a commitment to her artistic vision, even when that vision clashes with public opinion. For Daniels, Alberta is a character grounded in reality, a person many, including himself, have encountered in real life.