Kate Hudson talks ‘Music’ backlash over movie’s autism representation

Kate Hudson stars in the new film “Music,” which has been called out by autism advocacy groups for its portrayal of a teenage girl on the spectrum, played by Maddie Ziegler.

During a sit-down on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” Hudson, 41, addressed the backlash, saying she knows there should be more conversation surrounding proper representation.

“I think when people see the film, that they will see the amount of love and sensitivity that was put into it,” the 2021 Golden Globe nominee for best actress told Kimmel when asked about the backlash surrounding “Music.”

“But it is an important conversation to have, not just about this movie, but as a whole — about representation.”

“For me, when I hear that there’s anybody that feels left out I feel terrible,” she continued.

“It’s an ongoing and important dialogue to be had, about neurotypical actors portraying neurodivergent characters. It is an important one to have with people with experts and who know how to engage in the conversation. I encourage it, truly. I think that it’s important to say that we are listening.”

Hudson stars in the Sia-directed picture opposite Ziegler as her older sister, a former drug dealer who finds herself responsible for her special-needs sibling who communicates through a device that speaks for her, and who always listens to music via large headphones.

Sia has defended the movie, but also got into some social media spats with her detractors in the process.