Regé-Jean Page.Photo: Jeff Spicer/Getty
Regé-Jean Pageis speaking out after a new report claimed that he was passed over for a role because he is Black.
Page, 31, previously auditioned for the role of Superman’s grandfather in the Syfy seriesKrypton, but was denied the role because DC Films co-founder Geoff Johns said the character couldn’t be Black, according to areport fromThe Hollywood Reporterpublished Tuesday.
For more Regé-Jean Page’s response to not being cast inKryptonbecause of his race, listen below to the episode of PEOPLE Every Day.
In response, Johns' rep shared a statement claiming the casting process “is being twisted to be something that it is not.”
The bombshell allegation was part of a larger exposé aboutracism and misconduct during the making ofJustice League.
In atweetWednesday, Page seemed to address the report, and admitted that the “clarifications” as to why he didn’t get cast in the project “almost hurt more.”
“Hearing about these conversations hurts no less now than it did back then. The clarifications almost hurt more tbh,” he wrote. “Still just doing my thing. Still we do the work. We still fly.”
Reps for Page and Warner Bros. did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment Wednesday.
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“The actor being cast as such was supposed to resemble either actor,” the statement said. “This is being twisted to be something that it is not and someone throwing a name out there to get headlines.”
Page went on to play the lead in Netflix’s hitBridgerton, becoming the period drama’s breakout star. TheFor the Peopleactor alsorecently hostedSaturday Night Live.
Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page) and Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) in Bridgerton.LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX
At the NAACP Image Awards this year, Page took home the award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. He was alsonominated for a SAG Awardfor the role.
While Page will not be returning toBridgertonfor season 2, he said in anInstagram postlast week that playing the fan-favorite character was the “ride of a life time.”
“It’s been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to be your Duke. Joining this family - not just on screen, but off screen too. Our incredibly creative and generous cast, crew, outstanding fans - it’s all been beyond anything I could have imagined. The love is real and will just keep growing ❤️❤️❤️💫.”
source: people.com
