‘Beauty and the Beast’ Star Gugu Mbatha-Raw Pushes for Slavery Reparations: ‘Huge Healing Process’

British-born actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw, best known for her role as “Plumette” in Disney’s 2017 Beauty and the Beast, has publicly called for reparations for Black communities, describing the effort as a “huge healing process.” The statement came during a press tour for her new British television series Possession, in which she plays the character “Claudia,” a lawyer navigating a complex inheritance dispute tied to the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. Mbatha-Raw, who is also an executive producer of the show, emphasized the importance of addressing historical injustices through cultural narratives. In a candid interview, Mbatha-Raw spoke about the broader implications of reparations, framing them as essential to societal reconciliation. “There is a huge healing process to go on in the world on, on many levels,” she said. “And you know, reparations is part of that, but I think that you have to approach the subject on a humanized level. And I think that that’s really the power of drama. So, for me, it’s about, you know, generating the conversation. It’s complex.” Her co-star, British actor Sheldon Shepherd, echoed these sentiments, adding his own perspective on the need for reparations. “It’s repairing damages done,” Shepherd said. “I think the word repair in itself, reparation is such a big strong word that it scares people. I think that word repair is a word that allows you to feel like it’s a job that’s necessary, you know what I mean? It’s a task that is necessary, the word, repair. And that’s my take on it. We’ve always been championing that kind of energy of repair.” Possession centers on Claudia, a character whose personal journey mirrors the historical trauma and resilience of marginalized communities. The series delves into the intricate connections between Bristol and Jamaica, exploring how the legacy of slavery continues to influence contemporary identities and social structures. Mbatha-Raw described the show as a narrative that goes beyond legal intrigue, focusing instead on themes of identity, heritage, and the enduring effects of colonialism. “Possession is really about much deeper things,” Mbatha-Raw explained. “It explores identity, heritage and the enduring legacy of slavery between Bristol and Jamaica, as well as the impact of colonialism and how the past continues to shape the present.” She added that Claudia’s arc represents a return to self-discovery, uncovering aspects of her identity that had been suppressed over time. Historically, slavery has affected all races, religions, and tribes throughout human history. While the transatlantic slave trade primarily targeted Black populations, other groups were also enslaved in different regions and periods. In some parts of Africa and the Middle East, forms of slavery persist today, albeit often hidden from public view. The series Possession is set to premiere in August on Sky Atlantic and Now TV, offering audiences a compelling blend of legal drama and historical reflection. Through its narrative, the show aims to spark dialogue around the ongoing consequences of historical injustices and the potential for collective healing.