Actress Maria Conchita Alonso is receiving backlash over her support of Tea Party Republican Tim Donnelly. Donnelly is a California State Assemblyman known for his vigorous opposition of undocumented immigrants entering the U.S. He is also the founder of the state chapter of the armed vigilante border patrol group known as the Minutemen.
The fallout forced Alonso to withdraw from her role in the upcoming Latin version of the ‘Vagina Monologues.’ Despite her absence, the play will continue without her and will be held at the Brava Theater Center in San Francisco.
The San Francisco arts organization responsible for the play, expressed disappointment over the situation. “We really can’t have her in the show, unfortunately,” said Eliana Lopez, the show’s producer. Apparently, both Alonso and the play’s organizers believe that her participation would prove to be disruptive.
In 1984, Alonso, an actress of Cuban and Venezuelan descent, became famous when she starred opposite Robin Williams in the movie “Moscow on the Hudson”. Her numerous Hollywood roles since then have made her an admired figure in the Latin-American community.
However, Latinos don’t seem to admire her role in Donnelly’s campaign ad which aired last week. Alonso appeared in the ad to support Donnelly’s run for California Governor but her critics believe the ad stereotypes Latinos and have been very vocal in their disapproval of it. In the video, Alonso holds a small Chihuahua she calls “Tequila” and even uses vulgar expressions when translating remarks by Donnelly.
“Politicians and big government are killing our prosperity, pushing welfare costs through the roof and driving our schools into the ground,” Donnelly states in the ad.
And Alonso simply translates it as: “We are screwed.”
Latino Republican group, Café Con Leche released a statement which described the ad as “so bad it’s almost laughable.” The statement said that the campaign ad seems to have been aimed at Hispanic voters, but instead, it insults the intelligence of many of them.
During an interview with Fox News, Alonso defended her stance saying she agreed with Donnelly’s views. She also took issue with the attacks, which she thinks violates her freedom of expression.
Image via YouTube