Jessica Chastain is shocked by negative reactions towards diversity plea

London — Jessica Chastain says she has received a barrage of abuse following her recent speech at the Critics' Choice Awards.

The American actress, who was honoured as Most Valuable Player at last Thursday's ceremony, used her time onstage to make a plea to Hollywood executives and actors on the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Awards are a reflection of the lack of diversity in the arts, but the core of the issue lies with those making films… http://t.co/eJb2sYp90V

— Jessica Chastain (@jes_chastain) January 16, 2015

The 37-year-old American actress implored those in attendance to "stand together against homophobic, sexist, misogynistic, anti-Semitic and racist agendas".



Speaking to The Associated Press Tuesday, Chastain acknowledged she was shocked by messages she's received since the ceremony - calling the reaction "strange".

"I've had really terrible people who are racists comment on the speech and say really terrible things. I'm understanding that some people in this world, how much hate they can have," she said.