Quentin Tarantino has hit back at actress Rosanna Arquette for publicly criticising him over his use of the N-word in his films.
In an interview with The Times, Arquette had previously spoken on the issue. She played the role of Jody in the 1994 hit Pulp Fiction, the director’s break-out film which used the slur extensively. “It’s not art, it’s just racist and creepy,” she said, referencing the idea that the filmmaker had a “hall pass” for using the word in his movies.
In a letter written by Tarantino, obtained by outlet The Wrap, the director implied hypocrisy on Arquette’s part, stating that he recalled her being “thrilled” to be in the movie and that her statement was made in an effort to obtain publicity. He also claimed the comments showed a “lack of class.”
The letter in full reads: “Dear Rosanna,
I hope the publicity you’re getting from 132 different media outlets writing your name and printing your picture was worth disrespecting me and a film I remember quite clearly you were thrilled to be a part of?
Do you feel this way now?
Very possibly.
But after I gave you a job, and you took the money, to trash it for what I suspect is very cynical reasons, shows a decided lack of class, no less honour.
There is supposed to be an esprit de corps between artistic colleagues.
But it would appear the objective was accomplished.
Congratulations.
Q”
Quentin Tarantino courted controversy last year when he publicly criticised actor Paul Dano, whom he called a “weak and uninteresting guy” and the “worst actor” in the Screen Actor’s Guild during an appearance on a podcast.
The comments prompted a wave of support from numerous figures within the industry, including former co-star George Clooney who described them as “cruel”. Dano eventually broke his silence on the situation, expressing his gratitude at the people who came to his defence.
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