Mexican TV network under ire for ‘brownface’ parody of Roma star

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The Mexican-based network

Televisa has been strongly criticised after one of its stars dressed up in “brownface” and wore a prosthetic nose to imitate indigenous Mexican actor Yalitza Aparicio.

Yeka Rosales posted photos and videos of herself on social media with darkened skin, thick lips, and a false nose in what appeared to be a parody of the Roma star, who attended the Oscars after being nominated for Best Actress. The stunt coincided with the season premiere of Televisa’s comedy series La Parodia, with Rosales wearing a dress similar to that Aparicio wore at the Oscars, alongside a straight, black-haired wig. Rosales also made exaggerated facial expressions that have a history of being used to stereotype indigenous people.

Rosales was heavily criticised on social media in both Mexico and the US. Scholars have highlighted how the impersonation relects the continuing racism indigenous people face in Latin America.

In an email to The Associated Press, Televisa spokesman Alejandro Olmos said the network strongly condemns any form of racism or discrimination. “We do not believe that the production of La Parodia engages in this type of practice,” Olmos said in Spanish. Aparicio has encountered many similar acts in Mexico since garnering praise for her performance in the movie Roma.