Kristen Bell to no longer voice Molly in 'Central Park', mentions her 'acts of complicity'

In a recent statement, actor Kristen Bell revealed that she will no longer voice Molly in the Apple TV+ show Central Park. According to Kristen Bell, as Molly is mixed-race in the show, she should be voiced by a black or mixed-race voice actor. Kristen Bell, who is caucasian, felt that it was time she accepted her "acts of complicity". The actor felt that voicing Molly in Central Park showed a lack of awareness about her "pervasive privilege". 

Kristen Bell will no longer be voicing Molly in the Apple TV+ show Central Park

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Taking to social media, Kristen Bell wrote that it was time to acknowledge her acts of complicity. She added that casting a white voice actor for a mixed-race character like Molly undermined the specificity of the mixed-race and black American experience. The actor also shared a long statement by the Central Park creative team, which explained why Kristen Bell could no longer voice the role of Molly in the current environment.

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In the statement, the Central Park creative team commended Kristen Bell for being an extraordinarily talented actor. She was part of the Central Park cast from the first day of the show's development, even before she was cast to voice Molly. However, the recent murder of George Floyd has reignited the discussion about racial discrimination in the United States which is why Central Park creative team and Kristen Bell decided that it would be best if she stopped voicing the role of Molly. 

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The statement further addressed the creative team's decision and Kristen Bell's future in the show. As Molly is a mixed-race character, she was an opportunity for getting representation right. Which is why the crew now wants to cast a black or mixed-race voice actor for the role, so that her performance can have all the nuance and the experience of a real mixed-race American. 

Central Park's creative team also apologised to people who they hurt by casting a white actor for a diverse character. Further, the team stated that Central Park's already includes people of colour, but they wanted to do better. They added that they were now committed to creating opportunities for people of colour. Kristen Bell will still be a part of the show but in a new role. 

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[Promo from Kristen Bell and Central Park official Instagram]