Lupita Nyong'o Faces Backlash for Modeling Spooky 'Us' Voice on Real Medical Condition
Some are critical that the actress modeled the voice on spasmodic dysphonia, a real neurological disorder.
The horror film "Us" is getting plenty of praise from critics and audiences alike, but actress Lupita Nyong'o is facing backlash for her creepy voice in the movie.
Nyong'o, 36, told Variety she modeled the guttural voice on a real medical condition called spasmodic dysphonia, which causes the voice box to involuntarily spasm.
"I studied that," the actress said. "I worked with an ear, nose and throat doctor, a vocal therapist and my dialect coach to make sure that I could do it and do it safely because I had two roles to play.
"... While I was practicing and figuring it out, I definitely scratched my throat a few times," she added. "By the time we got to filming it, I was pretty set on how it should go and I was very good at warming up my voice and cooling it down."
But some people who actually suffer from the condition are less than pleased it was used for scares.
"She is mimicking a neurological disease that destroys my life and thousands others," one person tweeted.
"I sooo appreciate my condition being used as inspiration for your evil character. Not!!!!! Ignorance rules!!" added another.
"I think anytime you bring awareness to a disease or a disorder, it's a double-edged sword," a doctor told Inside Edition. "It's very good for people to know more, but it's very difficult for people who have the disorder."
Nyong'o said she particularly looked at Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who suffers from the condition himself. In a statement, he defended the actress.
"I'm grateful to Lupita for shining the spotlight on an injury that's been starved for attention," he said. "In my discussions with her I've been impressed with by sensitivity and sincerity."
RELATED STORIES
Trending on Inside Edition

Ghislaine Maxwell Reps Herself in Court Demanding 'Financial Support' From Epstein Estate After Lawyers Quit
Crime
Buster Murdaugh Denies Involvement in Stephen Smith's Death as Smith Family Pursues Independent Investigation
Crime
Baby Born With Congenital Heart Disease on Way to Transplant Surgery Receives Corridor of Cheers
Inspirational
13-Year-Old Charged With First-Degree Murder After Confessing to Suffocating 4-Year-Old Sibling: Police
Crime
9-Year-Old Survives New York Car Crash That Killed 5 Children
News
Letecia Stauch Murder Case: Suspect Tried to Fake Polygraph, Drove 1500 Miles to Dump Stepson's Body, Cops Say
Crime