Fans are upset after discovering that Simone Ashley’s role in the upcoming F1 movie was drastically cut down to a brief, silent cameo—despite initial expectations of a more substantial part. The backlash has reignited discussions about how Hollywood often sidelines actors of color, even in high-profile projects. The film’s director has now responded to the criticism, though whether it’ll ease frustrations remains to be seen.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one actor’s reduced screen time—it’s part of a frustrating pattern where diverse talent gets sidelined or tokenized. When big studios quietly shrink roles for actors of color, it sends a discouraging message about who truly gets to shine in Hollywood. Fans are calling for accountability, and the director’s response could either fuel the fire or (unlikely) signal real change.