'Belle' star Gugu Mbatha-Raw proud of film's diversity behind the scenes

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Belle star Gugu Mbatha-Raw sat down with theGrio and said that she was surprised last year’s Cheerios commercial featuring an interracial couple and their biracial daughter sparked backlash online.

Cheerios commercial featuring interracial couple receives racist backlash

The young actress said she was surprised that people found the commercial to be controversial.

“I thought that that was somewhat outdated,” said Mbatha-Raw in regards to the backlash that was generated. “But perhaps not, and perhaps that’s why we need to continue telling those stories.”

Mbatha-Raw also explained the many components of the film that make it so relatable, even to her personally. She said she relates to it especially since director Amma Asante, writer Misan Sagay and herself as the lead are all women of color.

The 30-year-old stars as Dido Belle Lindsay, a young woman who was born illegitimately to a Royal Navy Admiral, Captain Sir John Lindsay (Matthew Goode).

Her character is raised by a great-uncle, who is also the chief justice to reside over a case that could bring about the beginning of the end of slavery in England, and great-aunt.

Dido struggles as a lady of status that is limited due to her skin color.

‘Belle’ star Gugu Mbatha-Raw describes her ‘Cinderella moment’

The film is based on a true story and the portrait of Dido Elizabeth Belle, who is shown as an equal to Lady Elizabeth Murray, Lord Mansfield’s great-niece.

Click here to check out an exclusive clip from Fox Searchlight.

The inspiring film hit theaters today. Will you be going to see Belle this weekend?

Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.