#The Baker and the Beauty star calls ABC cancellation ‘tone deaf’

We’re a handful of days removed now from ABC canceling The Baker and the Beauty, and one of its stars is making their frustration very clear.

In a new statement, Nathalie Kelley (who plays Noa on the romantic comedy-drama hybrid) took ABC to task not only for ending the show, but failing to recognize the series’ importance when it comes to the representation of diversity on television:

We are seeing now more than ever that representation is important for black and brown people of color. How we are represented on our television shows determines how society sees us, and the empathy and support they will grant our communities. When we are constantly depicted as narcos and maids, we can’t expect to find favor with voters when they go to the polls and elect leaders who will decide on the fate of immigrants.

Baker and the Beauty is a show that depicts Latin families as warm, lovable, full of joy and compassion and humor. The show garnered critical praise and a passionate and loyal fan following. A cancellation by ABC means that there are now no shows on the networks with a Latinx cast. At a time when the public is marching in the streets demanding representation and diversity this is an extremely tone deaf decision.

And the show hopes to find a home on another platform but needs public support. We need to send a message to these platforms that diversity matters.

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Kelley is correct — when you look around all of the major broadcast networks, there is not an abundance of scripted series with a majority-Latinx cast. The Baker and the Beauty was helping to defy expectations and stereotypes, while also providing a story that is meaningful to all audiences.

If you haven’t signed the petition yet to save The Baker and the Beauty, why not check it out? More than 100,000 have so far, and that is certainly no small feat given how short of a period of time it’s been. There are still people out there who are going to discover this show; they deserve an opportunity to see more. Right now, a signal boost is the top priority; from there, it will be easier to think about prospective networks and homes.

What do you think about Nathalie Kelley’s statement?

Be sure to share right now in the attached comments! Meanwhile, remember to stick around for some further news. (Photo: ABC.)

This article was written by Jessica Carter. Be sure to follow her on Twitter.