“Lizzie McGuire” star Lalaine Vergara-Paras claimed on Instagram Wednesday that she was forced to “look as white as possible” while growing up as a child actress.
The Filipino actress explained in her post how she was “forced” to appear white while growing up. The Instagram photo appearing alongside her caption shows Vergara-Paras posing in a floral cap and dress while holding balloons.
Most of my life growing up, I was forced to look as “white” as possible. These days, I struggle to find photos where I look as ethnic as possible. Like in this photo, the most East-Asian I’ve ever looked. In order to see, for most people, you have to zoom in on ma face. And in case you still don’t understand, I love my face in this photo.
Vergara-Paras is best known for her role in the hit Disney Channel series “Lizzie McGuire,” in which she played the character of Miranda Sanchez, the best friend of the main character, Lizzie (played by Hillary Duff).
Despite Vergara-Paras’s claims of having to appear “as white as possible,” her character in the show came from a Mexican family, according to People. (RELATED: VOTE: Which Classic Disney Film Is Most Offensive?)
“Lizzie McGuire” first premiered on Disney Channel in 2001, running for two seasons until 2004. Actress Hilary Duff revealed that there was a possibility for a reboot of “Lizzie McGuire” on “Entertainment Tonight” in December 2018.
“There’s been some conversations.” the actress hinted, emphasizing that nothing was set in stone. “I don’t want everyone wild talking about it.”