Kian Lawley has been removed from the upcoming release The Hate U Give after the surfacing of an online video in which he makes racially charged remarks. The decision was taken by Hollywood studio 20th Century Fox. Lawley's role will be recast in the adaptation, reports hollywoodreporter.com. "Due to the controversy surrounding his past comments and behaviour, Kian Lawley will no longer appear in 'The Hate U Give'.'

The studio plans to recast the role of Chris and re-shoot scenes as needed," a studio representative said in a statement. "The Hate U Give" is based on the young adult novel by Angie Thomas. The story follows Starr, a young woman drawn to activism after she witnesses the police shooting of her unarmed friend. It is inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. Actress Amandla Stenberg leads a cast that also includes Regina Hall, Common, Issa Rae and Anthony Mackie.