Lawley fired from 'The Hate U Give' over racial remarks

Actor Kian Lawley has been removed from the upcoming release "The Hate U Give" after the surfacing of an online video in which he makes racially charged remarks.

The decision was taken by Hollywood studio 20th Century Fox.

Lawley's role will be recast in the adaptation, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

"Due to the controversy surrounding his past comments and behaviour, Kian Lawley will no longer appear in 'The Hate U Give'. The studio plans to recast the role of Chris and re-shoot scenes as needed," a studio representative said in a statement.

"The Hate U Give" is based on the young adult novel by Angie Thomas. The story follows Starr, a young woman drawn to activism after she witnesses the police shooting of her unarmed friend. It is inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement.

Actress Amandla Stenberg leads a cast that also includes Regina Hall, Common, Issa Rae and Anthony Mackie. In the feature, Lawley was cast as Starr's white boyfriend.

While the film has not yet been given a release date, filming on "The Hate U Give" wrapped in November.

Lawley is best known as a YouTuber, but has tried to make the transition to acting. Lawley is the latest social media star to land in hot water with creative partners after racial and culturally insensitive remarks were published online.

In the clip, Lawley is heard using the N-word and other racial slurs. "We're all black drinking purple Kool-aid and eating Kentucky fried motherf**king chicken," he says.

--IANS

sug/rb/sac