American journalist Rob Finnerty has come under renewed criticism from Kenyans after an old video resurfaced showing him criticising Lupita Nyong’o’s casting in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, The Odyssey.
Finnerty, who works for Newsmax, had recently faced backlash after comparing New York City’s urban conditions to Nairobi during a television broadcast. The remarks triggered an online debate, with Kenyans demanding that he address his comments about the Kenyan capital.
As the controversy gained attention, social media users began sharing an earlier clip in which Finnerty questioned the decision to cast Nyong’o in the film. In the footage, he described the casting as “ridiculous” and argued that it conflicted with the director’s reported commitment to realism. Finnerty said he had not watched the movie and did not plan to see it.
He nevertheless criticised the casting choices, including Nyong’o’s role as Helen of Troy, a character associated in traditional depictions with ancient Greek mythology. The journalist argued that the portrayal did not match the image of Helen commonly presented in popular culture.
His remarks drew renewed attention because Nyong’o is a Kenyan-born, Oscar-winning actress whose international career has made her a prominent figure in the global film industry. The resurfaced video prompted reactions from Kenyans, some of whom questioned Finnerty’s comments and the assumptions behind his criticism of the casting decision.
One social media user, Kithinji Mbaeh, reacted sarcastically, suggesting that Kenyans should meet the journalist in person to acknowledge his apology over the Nairobi remarks. Other users said they were glad Kenyans had challenged him over the comparison involving their city. .
Lily Jay argued that the comments about Nyong’o were a separate issue for American audiences to address, while praising Kenyans for speaking out over the remarks about Nairobi.
Another user, Jimmy Sugut, also expressed support for those who had drawn attention to the controversy. Finnerty had earlier apologised to Kenyans after his comparison of New York and Nairobi sparked widespread criticism.
His initial statement on X was followed by an on-air apology on Newsmax, where he acknowledged that his remarks were wrong. The resurfaced clip has since broadened the discussion, bringing his earlier comments about Nyong’o into the debate surrounding his portrayal of Nairobi.