She is being forced to pay for a bible verse.
Seyi Omooba, a notable actress known for her devout Christian beliefs, became entangled in a protracted legal dispute subsequent to her removal from a stage adaptation of “The Color Purple” amidst accusations of making homophobic statements. The resolution of this contentious legal battle culminated in a directive for Omooba to cover legal expenses exceeding $350,000.
The controversy arose when Omooba, aged 29 and from a deeply religious background, was dismissed from her role as Celie, a lesbian character, in the 2019 production following the emergence of her remarks on homosexuality on social media. This ignited a five-year legal feud primarily revolving around allegations of religious discrimination. Despite Omooba’s assertion that she had not reviewed the play’s script before accepting the role and therefore was unaware of the character’s sexual orientation, her legal challenge against the theater and her former agents was ultimately dismissed. The tribunal emphasized her lack of preparation and understanding of the role, as reported by The Telegraph. Additionally, the Employment Appeal Tribunal examined Omooba’s upbringing in a deeply religious household, highlighting her previous refusal to accept roles conflicting with her beliefs.
The presiding judge observed that Omooba “was aware she would not portray a lesbian character but had not communicated this to the theater or made efforts to educate herself about the role of Celie,” according to The Sunday Times.
Despite being familiar with the film adaptation of “The Color Purple,” which toned down the central lesbian relationship, Omooba failed to grasp the stage version’s emphasis on this aspect.
During the tribunal, her stance on declining roles due to religious convictions, such as rejecting a role in “The Book of Mormon,” was emphasized. However, her legal appeal, including objections to the significant legal fees, proved unsuccessful.
The initial controversy stemmed from a 2014 Facebook post by Omooba, where she questioned the idea of being born gay and described homosexuality as incorrect. Despite facing backlash, Omooba maintained that her intentions were not malicious but rooted in her adherence to religious teachings.
The theater demanded a retraction of the post, which Omooba declined, ultimately leading to the termination of her contract. With the support of the Christian Legal Centre, Omooba initiated legal proceedings in August 2019.
Reflecting on the experience, Omooba expressed regret for the consequences of her post while affirming her steadfast commitment to biblical principles. She also acknowledged the support she received from colleagues, including those in same-sex relationships, who recognized her sincerity despite disagreeing with her views.