Michelle Rodriguez clarifies Fast & Furious comments in Vin Diesel video

Los Angeles, Jul 03: Four days after Michelle Rodriguez threatened to leave the Fast & Furiousfranchise because of its treatment of women, she’s setting the record straight.
In a video posted to franchise star Vin Diesel’s Instagram account Saturday night, Rodriguez acknowledged her costar’s longtime support of “strong women,” before making clear that her recent comments were not directed at Diesel (who also acts as a producer on the Fast films).
“Vin, for many years you’ve been the biggest supporter of strong women,” Rodriguez said in the video. “I’ve always appreciated that about you throughout the years… Just know that if I ever post anything, that it’s not you I’m talking to.”
Diesel, who kissed Rodriguez on the forehead mid-video, responded to the actress’ words with a laugh. “Of course it’s not me!” he said.
In the caption of the post, Diesel added, “Proud of Our saga… but we must try to reach higher each time. The challenge is what makes it fun and exciting. It’s also why this saga has reached the level that it has… you have been the best fans in film history and we are forever grateful… Dom and Letty.”
The actors’ video exchange comes a few days after Rodriguez who plays Letty Ortiz, the ride-or-die love interest of Diesel’s Dominic “Dom” Toretto posted on Instagram, announcing that she’s willing to leave the billion-dollar franchise if it doesn’t highlight more women in the next film.
“F8 is out digitally today, I hope they decide to show some love to the women of the franchise on the next one,” she wrote. “Or I just might have to say goodbye to a loved franchise. It’s been a good ride & Im grateful for the opportunity the fans & studio have provided over the years… One Love.”
The Fast and Furious franchise has added more women to its cast over the years, with the latest installment of the series starring Rodriguez, Nathalie Emmanuel, Helen Mirren, and Charlize Theron (who played the first female antagonist of the series). But as Rodriguez noted in an interview with EW in May, she found the overall treatment of women in the films lacking.
“I’ve been making movies with Jordana [Brewster], who plays the sister of Dom Toretto for 16 years and I can count on one hand how many lines I’ve had to her,” said the actress. ”I think that’s pathetic and it’s lack of creativity.” PTI