Shonda Rhimes Criticizes ABC Family Sitcom ‘Bunheads’ for Lack of Diversity, Should More Showrunners Do the Same?

Shonda Rhimes the creative force behind hit dramas like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal recently got into a little twitter tête-à-tête over ABC Family’s new show ‘Bunheads.’

The show follows a down on her luck dancer who takes a job teaching ballet. Although Rhimes has commended the show for casting women of various sizes, she had a little critique for her ABC compadres: Where are the women of color?

After watching the show, Rhimes tweeted: “Hey @abcfbunheads: really? You couldn’t cast even ONE young dancer of color so I could feel good about my kid watching this show? NOT ONE?”

Rhimes’ shows are known for their diversity and she often casts actors of various ethnicities, so her jab at ‘Bunheads’ seems valid. But some of her followers didn’t feel the same way. After asking Rhimes if she only wanted her children to see actors of color on screen, Rhimes reminded her fans that all she strives for is inclusivity.

“I def don’t feel bad when my kid watches white performers. Not at all what I’m saying,” she explained, adding: “Just pointing out one issue….”

While many have discussed the lack of diversity on network television, Rhimes is in the position to actually do something about it. With her hit drama Scandal Rhimes created a primetime show anchored by a black woman (Kerry Washington). But for every role Rhimes writes and casts for minorities, her colleagues seem to be overlooking them.

So should more people with Rhimes’ stature start speaking out about the lack of diversity on network TV?

You tell us!