‘Devious Maids’ Controversy: Eva Longoria Responds To Backlash

Devious Maids debuted Sunday night, but it has already received plenty of criticism for “stereotyping” Latina women well before its release. The controversial show’s pilot premiere hit TV’s across the nation and made history in the process.

The comedy-drama became the first prime-time TV program to feature an all-Latina leading cast, but, no matter how many viewers it brings in, there’s no stopping the backlash. The Latino community has opened up about their thoughts on the show and how it’s just adding to the perception that Latino actors can only play stereotypical roles in Hollywood films and television series.

In response to all the talk, producer Eva Longoria has finally spoken out about the situation. She recently wrote her response in “The Blog” on the Huffington Post.

“I take pride in the fact that these characters are not one dimensional or limited to their job title,” she said about her show. “As the minority becomes the majority and the United States becomes more diverse, it is important that the protagonists on television embody this diversity.”

Devious Maids is somewhat based on a Mexican telenovela called Ellas son la Alegría del Hogar, which is about five maids who are working together to solve a murder mystery.

Longoria explained earlier in the article that everyone involved with the new show “learned a great lesson in this” and “if you judge a book by its cover, you might miss out on a great novel.”

In Marc Cherry’s creation, the maids include Judy Reyes (Scrubs), Dania Ramirez (Premium Rush), Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty), and Roselyn Sanchez (Chasing Papi). The show also stars Edy Ganem, an up and coming actress, who plays as Reyes’ daughter.

There’s surely much more backlash to come as the new series continues to develop through its first season. No matter how it turns out, some will never be able to look past the original concept, which they consider to be demeaning to Hispanics everywhere.

Do you believe Devious Maids is simply stereotyping the Latino community?