Nora Roberts "isn't interested in what Internet critics have to say," especially about the decision to cast Alyssa Milano as the lead character in an upcoming Netflix film adaptation of Brazen Virtue. Entertainment Weekly reported that "not all of Roberts's fans were happy with the news, with many taking to the author's Facebook page to protest Milano's casting because of the actress' openly liberal views on social media. The comments got so out of hand that Roberts was compelled to respond to the backlash personally."
"I'm delighted Ms. Milano's been cast in the adaptation of Brazen Virtue for Netflix," Roberts said. "To say I was stunned and appalled by some of the comments regarding the announcement on my Facebook page is a wild understatement. I spoke my piece, posted it publicly, and stand by it and Ms. Milano. To those who state they'll never read my work again due to differing political viewpoints and opinions, or because a talented, experienced actor will play a role, I can only say that's their choice. I believe Ms. Milano and I will survive it."
Monika Mitchell (Virgin River, The Knight Before Christmas) will direct the project from a screenplay by Suzette Couture, Donald Martin and Edithe Swensen.
"I'm a liberal Democrat. Always have been, always will be," Roberts posted on Facebook. "And as one, I've always believed everyone has a right to their political beliefs, and has a right to express their opinions. But I don't have to tolerate insults and ugliness on my page.... Others have used outright slurs against an actress, while claiming she should keep her opinions to herself.
"Some will never read me again because Milano will headline this adaption. One reader stated she intended to BURN all my books in her collection for this choice of actress. Think about that. Burning books. Get a visual? I sure do. Another claims she can only support 'like-minded' artists. Really? I only imagine the books, songs, movies I'd have missed if I felt this way and refused to read, watch, listen to those who contributed to or performed them who hold different political viewpoints from my own.... Watch the movie when it comes out, or don't. But lobbing nastiness at an actress or threatening me doesn't do anything but illustrate your own limitations."