Some autism advocacy groups will ask Hollywood stars to boycott award shows that honor an upcoming movie by Sia, sources tell Page Six.
The singer — who is making her directorial debut with a movie called “Music,” out next month — has already courted criticism because she didn’t cast an autistic actor in the lead. The film instead stars Maddie Ziegler, Sia’s muse from her music videos, as an autistic character.
Sia has defended the move, but also got into some social media spats with her detractors in the process.
A source told Page Six that now, “autism advocacy groups such as the National Autism Association, are planning to call for members of the [entertainment] industry to boycott awards shows” that might honor Sia’s film, such as the Golden Globes and Oscars.
“The plan is to call for other nominees to decline participation in the awards,” the source said.
Reps for Sia and the National Autism Association did not get back to us.
The Oscars this year has expanded its deadlines so that films released up until Feb. 28 can be considered.
The singer-turned-director has said of the objections via social media, “F–king sad nobody’s even seen the dang movie. My heart has always been in the right place.” She also has said of her Twitter confrontations regarding the film in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, “Looking back, I should have just shut up; I know that now.”