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Dellal was also criticized for the way she discussed the trans character in press for the film in 2015. She used female pronouns when referring to Fanning's character, Ray.

"My initial reaction is — I totally understand and I totally understand where the trans community is coming from," Dellal said of the backlash in a phone interview with BuzzFeed News.

"In my situation — I guess I was in a tricky situation because I needed to find an actor who was experienced enough to take on this role, who hadn't transitioned yet, who was a trans man or trans boy. That's quite a tall order. Unfortunately, I was unable to fill that role," Dellal said. "When someone is struggling for a voice, they need everyone to support them. And the best thing we can do is do things like cast [trans actors] and give them a voice. Unfortunately, I was unable to do that."