Charlotte Rampling’s Oscar racism claims stir controversy

Charlotte Rampling clarified that her controversial claim over the lack of black Oscar nominees was misinterpreted. The best actress nominee for her role in “45 Years” said that she regretted that her comments were misinterpreted. She told CBS News that she had simply meant to say that an ideal world every performance will be given equal opportunities for consideration.

“Diversity in our industry is an important issue that needs to be addressed,” she said in a statement issued on Friday night. “I am highly encouraged by the changes announced today by the academy to diversify its membership.”

On Friday, the academy had pledged to double the number of female and minority members by 2020.

Rampling’s comments started trending on Twitter with the hashtag #OscarSoWhite.