Scarlett Johansson has officially left the transgender biopic film Rub and Tug after receiving public backlash for accepting the role.

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Johansson gave her statement exclusively to the LGBTQ website and magazine Out , detailing her reasons for withdrawing from the role as Dante Tex Gill, a transgender gangster who rose to prominence in the '70s and '80s."In light of recent ethical questions raised surrounding my casting as Dante Tex Gill, I have decided to respectfully withdraw my participation in the project," said Johansson. "Our cultural understanding of transgender people continues to advance, and I’ve learned a lot from the community since making my first statement about my casting and realize it was insensitive."Johansson went on to discuss her admiration for the trans community, noting the inclusion of LGBTQ characters in major films has dropped by 40% in 2017 from the previous year, with no representation of trans characters in any major studio film.Prior to withdrawing from the role, Johansson’s representatives sent a statement out to various media outlets, commenting on the public backlash and widespread complaints, saying, “Tell them that they can be directed to Jeffrey Tambor, Jared Leto, and Felicity Huffman’s reps for comment.”Though she will no longer star in Rub and Tug, Johansson is likely to see continued success. She was 2016's top-grossing actress , and is set to star in Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi's next film, Jojo Rabbit

Colin Stevens is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter