‘Black women aren’t always angry… we’re vulnerable and have emotions’: Oti Mabuse blasts racial stereotypes and celebrates Strictly’s diversity
Oti Mabuse has discussed racial issues and lauded Strictly’s diversity.
The Strictly Come Dancing star, 30, appeared in a stunning spread for the Dec/Jan issue of Women’s Health UK, where she detailed her working day, spoke about unfair stereotypes for black women and the show’s equality.
Alongside the interview, Oti dazzled in a series of stunning sporty ensembles which helped make the most of her lean and lithe physique.
Amazing: Oti Mabuse has discussed racial issues and lauded Strictly’s diversity
Oti looked sensational in the bold shoot, with one striking image showing her in an orange sports bra with yellow shorts and platform Converse.
She wore her hair in a tight slick ponytail while her make-up was perfectly applied to ensure she was camera ready for the shoot.
When Oti was asked about Netflix’s new period drama Hollywood, she went into details about the racial significance of the show.
She said: ‘You see someone [lead actress, Laura Harrier] who looks like you with big full lips, and she’s not shown as ‘the angry Black woman’…
A vision: The Strictly Come Dancing star, 30, appeared in a stunning spread for the Dec/Jan issue of Women’s Health UK, where she detailed her working day, spoke about unfair stereotypes for black women and the show’s equality
Happy days: Oti, who is paired with funnyman Bill Bailey on the new series, said of Strictly: ‘When I look at the shows I’ve worked for, they’ve been so diverse’
‘She’s the one who works hard, she’s ambitious, she gets what she wants and that’s just amazing to see. We’re not always angry – we’re vulnerable and have emotions.’
Oti, who is paired with funnyman Bill Bailey on the new series, said of Strictly: ‘When I look at the shows I’ve worked for, they’ve been so diverse…
‘On Strictly, we have 17 professional dancers who all look completely different; they represent something unique, with [dancers] from Australia, New York, South Africa, and China. I’m proud that we have that representation.’
Proving just how gruelling her life can be, Oti detailed the strenuous extent of her working day – including an alarmingly early starting time.
The show: When Oti was asked about Netflix’s new period drama Hollywood, she went into details about the racial significance of the show (lead actress, Laura Harrier, pictured)
Sizzling: She wore her hair in a tight slick ponytail while her make-up was perfectly applied to ensure she was camera ready for the shoot
Read the full Oti Mabuse interview in the Dec/Jan issue of Women’s Health UK, on sale from 4 November 2020
She said: ‘I was up at three in the morning today and just started working. I get like that when I’m in work mode: when I’m really going for it…
‘Sometimes. I’ll start working at two in the morning and then I’ll go back to bed [for a bit] and start working again at 8am.’
Oti revealed she helps her mental health by using the works of American motivational speaker Tony Robbins.
She went on: ‘It keeps me in check and makes tough situations a little less tough and [helps me] approach them with a little more awareness…
‘And I think once you’re aligned – your head and your mind and your heart and your soul – then you can feel good, then you can be creative. And my job relies on me to be strong and to definitely be creative.’
Read the full Oti Mabuse interview in the Dec/Jan issue of Women’s Health UK, on sale from 4 November 2020
Sizzling: She looked incredible in the striking snaps