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A CHRISTIAN actress dropped from the lead role of The Color Purple at Birmingham Hippodrome because of comments she made about homosexuality is to sue for religious discrimination.

Seyi Omooba , 25, was overjoyed when she landed the lead role of Celie in the award-winning musical based on Alice Walker’s classic American novel.

But just a day after she was cast in the production, an old Facebook post in which she quoted the Bible to express her Christian beliefs led to her being sacked.

The post was unearthed by actor Aaron Lee Lambert, who stars in the West End production of Hamilton, who objected to her views because the character of Celie is often seen as being gay.

(Image: @Seyiomooba / Twitter)

He tweeted a screenshot of her Facebook post from September 2014 and asked that Omooba explain herself to the LGBT community.

In the post, Seyi had written: “Some Christians have completely misconceived the issue of Homosexuality, they have begun to twist the word of God.

“It is clearly evident in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 what the Bible says on this matter. I do not believe you can be born gay, and I do not believe homosexual practice is right.

“Though the law of this land has made it legal, that doesn’t mean it is right.

“I do believe that everyone sins and falls into temptation but it’s by the asking of forgiveness, repentance and the grace of God that we overcome and live how God ordained us to.”

Following widespread outrage, co-producers Birmingham Hippodrome and Leicester Curve announced that Seyi would no longer be part of the production.

Her comments had caused ‘significant and widespread concern’,” they said.

Now, London actress Seyi is taking legal action against both theatres and her agency Global Artists, through the legal arm of Christian Concern.

She claims that since the incident that she has been ‘blacklisted’ by the acting profession and is struggling to find work.

“When I received the email that I was going to be dropped from the cast, I was heartbroken,” she said. “The theatre has offered me a financial settlement, but I am not in this for the money.

“For me it’s not about the money or my face – it was about telling and expressing Celie’s story, as I interpret it as a performer, because that is what I love to do.

“For me, Celie is a complex character. I do not think it is possible to clearly define that she is a ‘Christian’ or a ‘lesbian.’ Celie has to grow up so fast, but in her mind she is just a child trying to navigate through and overcome the many trials and tribulations that life throws at her.

“The people who know me, know that I have no hatred as a result of my faith; only love. Yet the theatre and the agency gave me the choice of either losing my career or renouncing my faith. I could not do this, not even to save the career that means so much to me.”

Birmingham Hippodrome issued a statement which said: “We are aware that Seyi Omooba is looking to pursue legal action following her removal from The Color Purple in March 2019. Whilst this matter is ongoing, Birmingham Hippodrome will be making no further comment at this time.”