Dakota Fanning

The release of an initial clip and descriptions of Sweetness in the Belly prompted accusations of whitewashing, with some internet users believing Fanning was portraying a white Ethiopian or African refugee. She responded that her character was actually a British woman abandoned in Africa as a child, raised in Ethiopia and converted to Islam, in keeping with the adapted novel.

State of the evidence

Documented

The UK's Advertising Standards Authority banned an advertisement for Marc Jacobs Oh, Lola! perfume showing Fanning, then aged 17, with the bottle positioned between her legs. The regulator considered that she appeared younger than 16 and that the composition could be perceived as sexualising a child, making the advertisement irresponsible and likely to cause serious offence.

State of the evidence

Documented

Aged 12 during filming, Fanning portrayed a child rape victim in Hounddog. Before and after Sundance, conservative groups, child advocates and commentators accused the project of exploiting a minor, with some calling for investigations or even invoking child pornography terminology. The controversy extended far beyond the film's critical reception.

State of the evidence

Documented