Spotlight criticised for option to decline submissions from deaf and disabled actors

Spotlight, an online platform which allows individuals to list casting opportunities for actors and performers, has faced a backlash online over introducing a new option which allows casting directors to reject applications from D/deaf and disabled performers.

It follows a series of changes to the website last month, which included the option for users to filter “by a specific disability or all disabilities”.

The new option, shared by several actors on Twitter states: “Whilst understanding my responsibilities in relation to Schedule 9 of the Equality Act, 2020, unfortunately we are unable to accept submissions from D/deaf or disabled performers for this role.”

Why is this now an option @SpotlightUK ? It excludes so many people. I’ve seen 3 roles today choosing this option. It was better before. This is taking a step backwards away from inclusive casting #casting #castingdirectors #disabledactors @DANC_UK pic.twitter.com/TCK9cCwblC

— Sarah Leigh (she/her) (@sarahleighfilm) November 2, 2020

Several professionals from the arts industry went on to criticise the wording, with the company facing allegations that the option goes against equality law.

Commenting on one casting call displaying the option, Katie Erich, a deaf actress from Liverpool, tweeted: “Hi [Spotlight] there is a breakdown on your website which is clearly breaking all sorts of Equality Act laws! I have screenshots and am happy to forward them.”

Responding to tweets on Twitter this evening, Spotlight said their intention behind the changes was to “encourage castings to be as inclusive as possible” and “make performers with disabilities feel welcome” to apply for casting opportunities.

In response to conversations about our new disability functionality when creating a breakdown; Our intention behind the changes was to encourage castings to be as inclusive as possible and make performers with disabilities feel welcome to apply to castings, based on the (1)

— Spotlight (@SpotlightUK) November 2, 2020

“We have worked closely with a number of relevant organisations in the industry to develop our new tools, which launched on Saturday, however we can now see that this specific feature is not working as intended and needs to be changed to help achieve this aim,” they said.

Their statement goes on to add that they have removed the wording from the option while they redesign the tool and that they are addressing concerns raised “as a priority”.

“The last option that has been shared in screenshots on social media was intended to be used in exceptional circumstances, when there are specific requirements of a role that mean performers with a specific disability could not be considered.

“To ensure there is transparency and clear communication for performers with disabilities, we offered the option to provide explanatory text to the breakdown to explain why certain people genuinely cannot be considered for a specific role,” they continued.

Their statement concluded with the company apologising for any offence caused, and confirmation that they will be working on the issue “as an immediate priority”.

They also added that the role discussed by users online has since been amended to welcome applications from all performers.

In a reply to the tweet, Deaf actress Sophie Stone said: “It’s more than ‘offence caused’ – you could have been someone’s last straw. You need to be fully aware and accountable for the damage you’ve done to so many of your clientele.

“We pay to be ‘Spotlighted’ by you and so far you’ve erased us, shamed us, othered us and prevented work!”

Deaf actor Stephen Collins added: “This is the second time you have not respected or included us in the space of 4 days. Twice we had to tell you!

“If you really were considerate of your actions, you would know its Deaf and Disabled performers,” he said.

Elsewhere, hard of hearing actor and British Sign Language interpreter Alim Jayda wrote: “Imagine if this was under the race section and read: ‘Whilst understanding that I must not be racist, unfortunately we are unable to accept submissions from Black and Asian performers.’

“This is horrendous, [Spotlight]!”

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Update – 04.11.20: Disabled actress Ruth Madeley, known for her role in the BBC drama series Years and Years, has since launched the hashtag #DisabilityOptIn on Twitter in response to the news.

In a series of tweets on Twitter on Wednesday, she said: “After yesterday’s posts about Spotlight UK’s disability ‘opt out’ tick box to avoid submissions from disabled performers, they have since responded to the backlash & said they are “sorry for any offence caused’.

“In the past 24 hours I’ve had so many messages from disabled artists telling me they fear they’ll never work again. It’s exhausting to keep fighting for your place in an industry that seems to want to remove you, but fight on we must.”

Hundreds of Twitter users have gone on to show their support for the campaign, with Emmerdale star James Moore and Coronation Street actress Victoria Ekanoye amongst those sharing the hashtag online.

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By Liam O’Dell. Liam is a mildly deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He wears bilateral hearing aids and can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.