Salma Hayek Responds to Backlash Over Conversation With Jessica Williams About Race

Salma Hayek is in hot water over a few comments she made at Sundance Film Festival.

MORE: Watch Salma Hayek Opens Up About Why the Way Women are Viewed Needs to Change

The Mexicana attended a luncheon that celebrated women in film, when the conversation took a left turn after race and privilege were brought up. Hayek spoke up and told the other women at the table to "be careful that we don't fall into victimization." Terms of Endearment actress Shirley MacLaine put her two cents in and begged women to "find the democracy inside" and explore their "core identity." Jessica Williams, a former Daily Show correspondent, stepped in and asked McLaine, "What if you are person of color, or a transgendered person who- just from how you look- you already are in conflict?," LA Times reports.

McLaine responded, "Right, but change your point of view. Change your point of view of being victimized. I'm saying: Find the democracy inside."

Hayek then chimed in and asked Williams, "Who are you when you're not black and you're not a woman? Who are you and what have you got to give?"

While we love Hayek and the way that she has continued to stand up for women in Hollywood, we don't exactly understand what she was trying to say when she asked Williams this. As a Latina who immigrated from Mexico — two things that are hot buttons in this political climate — Hayek should understand the struggle that Williams faces being not only black, but a woman as well.

Williams responded, "A lot. But some days, I'm just black, and I'm just a woman. Like, it's not my choice. I know who I am. I know I'm Jessica, and I'm the hottest bitch on the planet I know." She also went on to clap back at say, "I also feel like the word 'victim' — I feel like it has bothered me. When I talk about feminism, sometimes I feel like being a black woman is cast aside. I always feel like I'm warring with my womanhood and wanting the world to be better, and with my blackness — which is the opposite of whiteness."

Hayek jumped in, “No, no, no. Take the time to investigate. That’s the trap! ...There is so much more.”

Others chimed into the conversation leaving Hayek not being able to fully express her thoughts. She has since put out a statement on her Instagram about the whole thing.... source