Chris Lilley's Lunatics role sparks 'blackface' row as Netflix comedy faces Twitter backlash
Australian comedian Chris Lilley has been accused of blackface after debuting his latest character from upcoming Netflix comedy Lunatics.
The 10-part series follows Lilley as he takes on six different characters including an estate agent, a YouTube vlogger and a 12-year-old boy.
Twitter users took aim at Jana, a South African “lesbian Pet Psychic to the Stars,” who has tanned skin and a large afro.
Lilley was accused of cultural appropriation while others urged Netflix subscribers to boycott the streaming platform.
One person tweeted: “We just gonna casually ignore all the blackface he’s done in his previous shows and is CLEARLY doing in this one?”
Another wrote: “There is absolutely no way to justify blackface in 2019. F*** Chris Lilley, and f*** anyone who works with him.”
“Chris Lilley wore black face, he continues to profit off of it. Unfollow me if you support him. Honestly,” posted a third.
Standard Online has contacted representatives for Lilley for comment.
Lilley previously played troubled Tongan teenager, Jonah Takalua, in 2007 hit mockumentary Summer Heights High which saw him take on the role of several school children and a drama teacher, Mr G.
Spin off show Jonah from Tonga was scrapped from New Zealand’s Maori Television in 2017.
Lilley also wore brownface make-up to play African American rapper, S.mouse, in Angry Boys.
Lunatics is on Netflix on April 19
