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Benedict Cumberbatch is facing legal action over family slave trade links in Barbados

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Ayaan Paul
Ayaan PaulJan 02, 2023 | 14:39

Benedict Cumberbatch is facing legal action over family slave trade links in Barbados

The family of Academy Award nominated actor Benedict Cumberbatch is facing potential legal action over its historical links to the slave trade in Barbados.

Why: Cumberbatch’s seventh great-grandfather bought the Cleland plantation in the north of Barbados in 1728, which housed 250 slaves until the abolition of slavery in 1834. The slave plantation is reported to have made the Cumberbatch family a small fortune.

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Following the hate campaign against British Conservative MP Richard Drax over the deeds of his ancestors owning the largest slave plantation on the island nation, Barbados will seek compensation from an international arbitration court should Drax refuse.

What now: The outcome of the ruling would determine whether or not the island would be able to pursue further reparations claims from former slave-owning families, including the Cumberbatch’s.

Reparation payments are financial compensation or other forms of redress provided to individuals or groups who have suffered harm or injustice as a result of the actions of others. The goal of reparations is to recognise and address past wrongs and to provide a measure of justice and healing to those who have been affected by these wrongs.

What are reparations: Reparations can take many different forms, depending on the specific circumstances and the harm that has been inflicted.

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  • For example, reparations payments may be made in the form of monetary compensation to individuals or communities who have suffered financial losses or damages as a result of injustice.
  • They may also include non-financial forms of redress, such as apologies, symbolic gestures, or measures to address ongoing inequalities or injustices.
“Any descendants of white plantation owners who have benefitted from the slave trade should be asked to pay reparations, including the Cumberbatch family. The money should be used to turn the local clinic into a hospital, support local schools, and improve infrastructure and housing.”
- David Denny, general secretary of the Caribbean Movement for Peace and Integration

The concept of reparations has a long history and has been applied in a wide variety of contexts, including compensation for victims of war crimes and human rights abuses, restitution for stolen or confiscated property, and compensation for individuals who have been wrongly imprisoned.

  • In the context of slavery, reparations refer to financial or other forms of compensation provided to the descendants of slaves for the harm and injustices inflicted upon their ancestors.
  • The idea of reparations for slavery has been the subject of ongoing debate and controversy, with some arguing that reparations are necessary to acknowledge and address the ongoing impact of slavery on African American communities, while others argue that reparations are not practical or fair.

According to Cumberbatch, his role as slave plantation owner William Ford in 2013’s Best Picture winner 12 Years A Slave - based on the memoirs of the former slave Solomon Northup - was “a sort of apology” to atone for his ancestors' sins. 

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Ford's descendants disputed the British actor's portrayal of the plantation owner, claiming that Northup's autobiography represented him favourably and said: "There never was a more kind, decent, candid, Christian man than William Ford."

L-R: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedcit Cumberbatch and Paul Dano star in 12 Years A Slave (2012)

Cumberbatch’s portrayal of William Pitt the Younger in 2006’s Amazing Grace, which is about Britain's eradication of the slave trade in 1807, is supposed to be a gesture of penitence for his family’s history.

It is still unclear whether the family inheritance was used to pay for Cumberbatch’s education at Harrow School, London however, his mother and former actress Wanda Ventham had apparently encouraged him not to use his real name in his acting career fearing reparations charges of the same kind in the future.

It is not uncommon for celebrities to face criticism and controversy surrounding their family's actions, whether it be related to slavery or other issues.

In the past: In 2021, Justice League actor Affleck faced backlash after it was revealed that his ancestors owned slaves in the 19th century. While Affleck did not directly profit from or participate in slavery, some argued that he should make reparations for the actions of his ancestors.

Another celebrity who has faced similar criticism is actor Scarlett Johansson. In 2021, Johansson faced backlash after it was revealed that her ancestors owned a plantation in the 19th century that relied on slave labour. Again, Johansson did not directly profit from or participate in slavery, but some called for her to make reparations for the actions of her ancestors.

In both of these cases, it is important to note that the celebrities in question did not personally engage in slavery or directly benefit from it. However, the actions of their ancestors have raised questions about whether reparations are appropriate in cases where celebrities are descendants of slave owners.

Thought bubble: While there is no easy answer to this question, it is clear that the legacy of slavery continues to have a significant impact on society today and that discussions about reparations are an important part of addressing this history. Whether or not celebrities should be held responsible for the actions of their ancestors is a complex and sensitive issue that requires careful consideration and a nuanced understanding of the historical context.

Last updated: January 02, 2023 | 14:39
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