'Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie' Faces Racism Accusations, Over Asian Fashion Designer Character

'Ab Fab' Film Faces Racism Accusations

‘Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie’ doesn’t even hit cinemas until next year, but it’s already causing a whole lot of controversy with one of its characters.

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The news that Janette Tough - best known for her portrayal of Wee Jimmy Krankie - has been cast in the film was met with a negative reaction online, due to the fact that she’s playing Huki Muki, a fictional male Japanese fashion designer.

Janette Tough on the set of 'Ab Fab'

Since the news, many people have spoken out against the casting decision, with some accusing producers of “racism” and “yellowface” by having a white actor playing an Asian character.

Stand-up Margaret Cho is among the most prolific people to have voiced her disagreement, condemning the move on her Twitter page.

'Absolutely Fabulous'

She admitted that she was disappointed because she was a fan of the original TV series, but said that producers should be casting Asian actors in Asian roles, adding: “When roles written for us are played by white actors - it's an outrage.”

‘Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie’ will see Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley reprising their iconic comedy roles as boozing hangers-on, Edwina Monsoon and Patsy Stone.

Emma Bunton and Lulu, who made cameos in the original TV series, have all been confirmed to be appearing in the film, while on-set photos have shown Kate Moss emerging from the River Thames, while sporting an evening dress.

Rylan Clark also recently announced that he had landed a small role in the film, after sharing a behind-the-scenes snap with the two leading stars in costume.

Other celebrities tipped to be putting in an appearance include Kim Kardashian, Cara Delevingne and Harry Styles, who is rumoured to be playing a love interest for Patsy.

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