Rita Moreno Apologizes Following 'In The Heights' Colorism Defense

Rita Moreno is apologizing for her recent comments.

Earlier this week, the 89-year-old Oscar-winning actress defended pal Lin-Manuel Miranda and director John M. Chu for not casting more dark-skinned Afro-Latinx performers in In The Heights.

“It’s like you can never do right, it seems. This is the man who literally has brought Latino-ness and Puerto Rican-ness to America,” Rita said in defense of Lin-Manuel.

After receiving backlash, Rita took to Twitter on Wednesday (June 16) to apologize for her comments.

Click inside to read her apology…

“I’m incredibly disappointed with myself. While making a statement in defense of Lin-Manuel Miranda on the Colbert Show last night, I was clearly dismissive of black lives that matter in our Latin community. It is so easy to forget how celebration for some is lament for other,” Rita first tweeted.

She followed up by writing, “In addition to applauding Lin for his wonderful movie version of In The Heights, let me add my appreciation for his sensitivity and resolve to be more inclusive of the Afro-Latino community going forward. See, you CAN teach this old dog new tricks – RITA”

If you missed it, Lin-Manuel issued an apology for not casting more dark-skinned Afro-Latinx performers in the movie. Here’s what he said.