Native American Actors Defend Adam Sandlers Ridiculous 6

A few Native American actors are now speaking out in defense of Adam Sandlers Netflix comedy Ridiculous 6 after a dozen extras walked off the Westerns New Mexico setover what they viewed as culturally offensive humor. Of the hundreds of Native American extras hired for the film, only about a dozen left the production because they were offended by characters names Wears No Bra and Beaver Breath and feltthefilm perpetuated negative stereotypes.

However, the majorityof the Native American extras remained on set, including actorBonifacio Gurule, who told KOAT 7 in Albuquerquethat those who exited the film should lighten up. Its a comedy, not a documentary, Gurule said. Another extra named Carma Harveysaid many cultures, not just Native Americans, were being skewered in the Western.

KOAT also obtained cellphone footage of the verbal confrontationbetween extras and an unspecified member of the Ridiculous 6 crew that led to some actors leaving Ridiculous 6 set. In the video, the extras ask a producer to change the characters name of Beaver Breath. No. If youre overly sensitive about it, then you should probably leave, the producer said. As Navajo actress Allie Young previously told MSNBC, the first person to exit the Ridiculous 6 shoot over the offensive material was the films cultural consultant.

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While Sandler has not commented publicly on the incident, following the extras walkout, the actor reportedly addressed the cast and crew and said he was extremely sorry if the film offended anyone. A producer also promised the cast that some sort of disclaimer at the end of the moviewould reiterate that Ridiculous 6 is not an accurate portrayal of Native American culture.

Following the uproar, the New Mexico Film Office wasasked whether they would rescind the rebates given to the film for shooting in the Land of Enchantment. It is a First Amendment issue. The film office has no control over a films content, the New Mexico Film Office said in a statement. As long as the production meets the requirements in the film credit statute, there is nothing prohibiting them from filming in New Mexico and receiving the rebate.

In a statement, Netflix also defended the film. The movie has ridiculous in the title for a reason because it is ridiculous, aspokesperson for the company said.It is a broad satire of Western movies and the stereotypes they popularized, featuring a diverse cast that is not only part of but in on the joke.