“Little” Co-Writer Responds To Backlash Over Transphobic Line In Film: “I Did Not Write That Particular Joke And Was Disappointed To See It”

The hit movie ”Little” is facing a little backlash after it was called out for including a transphobic joke in the film.

This week, the film’s co-writer Tracy Oliver took to social media to respond to moviegoers’ criticisms over an allegedly transphobic line in the movie. In the scene, #ReginaHall’s character, “Jordan,” confuses a young girl for being a young boy. When the child’s mother tries to correct Jordan, she responds, “Oh, he’s transitioning?” Since the premiere, there have been numerous moviegoers and film critics attacking the film’s writers for the joke.  Oliver spoke out and explained she feels similarly to movie fans. The film was written by Oliver and the film’s director #TinaGrodon.

Oliver took to Twitter to voice her opinion. “As a feature writer, when you hand your draft into the studio, you have no control over what ends up on screen,” Oliver wrote. “Often, you’re elated. Other times, you’re disappointed. I did not write that particular joke and was disappointed to see it. It was insensitive and unnecessary.” Oliver continued saying the joke was “disheartening” and said she was “shocked” to see it in the finished movie. The screenwriter added, “I’ve been wrestling with speaking up or not, but I had to. That joke doesn’t represent who I am at all.”

While many have attacked the film and its crew, allies have also spoken out in support. In response to an angry Twitter user #LenaWaithe wrote “That can happen on TV shows too. Tracy is an ally – and would never attack any group of people.”

Oliver has worked on a variety of projects, including #IssaRae’s groundbreaking YouTube series “The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl.” She’s also worked with #KenyaBarris on “BlackIsh,” ”Barbershop: The Next Cut” and “Girls Trip.”