CNN —More than 800 Black actors are denouncing backlash aimed at actor Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, who was cast to play Juliet opposite Tom Holland in an upcoming stage production of “Romeo & Juliet” in London’s West End. “When news of Francesca Amewudah-Rivers’ casting in Jamie Lloyd’s production of Romeo and Juliet was announced so many people celebrated and welcomed this news,” the letter, organized by playwright Somalia Nonyé Seaton, stated. “For a casting announcement of a play to ignite such twisted ugly abuse is truly embarrassing for those so empty and barren in their own lives that they must meddle in hateful abuse. When The Jamie Lloyd Company issued its tweet decrying the online behavior, the theater company said, “This must stop… Any abuse will not be tolerated and will be reported. “Romeo & Juliet” opens on May 23 and will play through August 3.

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Persons: Francesca Amewudah, Juliet, Tom Holland, Romeo, Juliet ”, Jamie Lloyd, ”, Jamie Lloyd’s, Somalia Nonyé Seaton, “, –, Francesca, James Bond ”, Lashana Lynch, Freema, Who, Susan Wokoma, Enola Holmes, Sheila Atim, Oscar, Marianne Jean, Baptiste, Lolly, Jamie Lloyd Company, Holland, Jamie Lloyd Company’s, London’s Duke, “ Romeo Organizations: CNN, Jamie Lloyd Company, London’s, York’s Locations: Rivers, London’s, Amewaduh