• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture

Lin-Manuel Miranda apologizes for 'In The Heights' lack of Afro-Latino representation

7:00
Lin-Manuel Miranda talks about ‘In the Heights’
Noam Galai/Getty Images, FILE
ByMegan Stone
June 15, 2021, 5:40 PM

Lin-Manuel Miranda has broken his silence over the growing criticism over his latest movie musical "In The Heights," which features a predominately Latino cast.

There has been discussion that the film didn't go far enough in its diversity efforts, with some issuing accusations of "colorism" for failing to represent the darker-skinned Afro-Latino community that is present in the movie's real-life setting of New York City's Washington Heights neighborhood and instead casting mostly lighter-skinned Latino actors.

Related Articles

MORE: Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'In The Heights' celebrates the Latinx experience

On Monday, Miranda -- who produced and starred in the movie -- issued a lengthy apology on Twitter for the film's shortcomings, vowing to do better.

From left, Corey Hawkins as Benny, Gregory Diaz Iv as Sonny and Anthony Ramos as Usnavi, in the film, "In The Heights."
Macall Polay/Warner Bros.

"I started writing 'In the Heights' because I didn't feel seen. And over the past 20 years all I wanted was for us -- ALL of us -- to feel seen," the 41-year-old "Hamilton" creator began. "It is clear that many in our dark-skinned Afro-Latino community didn't feel sufficiently represented... particularly among leading roles."

"I can hear the hurt and frustration over colorism, of feeling still unseen in the feedback. I hear that without sufficient dark-skinned Afro-Latino representation, the work feels extractive of the community we wanted so much to represent with pride and joy," he continued.

Related Articles

MORE: Review: 'In the Heights' pure unleashed joy grabs you and never lets go

"In trying to paint a mosaic of this community, we fell short," Miranda said. "I'm truly sorry. I'm learning from the feedback, I thank you for raising it, and I'm listening."

Anthony Ramos as Usnavi and Melissa Barrera as Vanessa in Warner Bros. Pictures' film, "In the Heights."
Macall Polay/Warner Bros.

The Tony Award winner closed out his apology by vowing to "do better in my future projects" and be mindful of what he can do "to make sure we are honoring our diverse and vibrant community."

"In The Heights," directed by Jon M. Chu, was adapted from a 2008 Broadway musical of the same name that Miranda created.

The film stars Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Leslie Grace, Corey Hawkins and Olga Merediz, among others.

Up Next in Culture—

Barack, Michelle Obama address divorce rumors in 1st joint comments

July 16, 2025

Why Scottie Scheffler says winning at golf is 'not a fulfilling life' ahead of British Open

July 16, 2025

Directors of 'Billy Joel: And So It Goes' give update on singer, talk new documentary

July 16, 2025

HBO shares 1st look at Nick Frost as Hagrid in 'Harry Potter' series

July 15, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News