Quentin Tarantino says Rosanna Arquette lacks class for criticizing N-word use in Pulp Fiction

After Dano-gate (and Lillard-gate and Wilson-gate), Quentin Tarantino is onto his next scuffle with a famous actor. In an interview with The Sunday Times published on Saturday, Pulp Fiction and The Moment star Rosanna Arquette discussed her 40-year career. When the conversation turned to Pulp Fiction, Arquette said: “It’s iconic, a great film on a lot of levels. But personally I am over the use of the N-word — I hate it. I cannot stand that he [Tarantino] has been given a hall pass. It’s not art, it’s just racist and creepy.” The actor also shared another reason why her memories of the project are not universally positive. “I’m the only person who didn’t get a back end,” she claimed to the Times. “Everybody made money except me.” The article is careful to note that she doesn’t blame Tarantino for this, but producer Harvey Weinstein. 

Last night, Tarantino responded to Arquette’s N-word criticism, writing, in part, “you took the money.” The director’s full statement, sent to various outlets including Deadline, reads: 

Dear Rosanna,

I hope the publicity you’re getting from 132 different media outlets writing your name and printing your picture was worth disrespecting me and a film I remember quite clearly you were thrilled to be a part of?

Do you feel this way now?

Very possibly.

But after I gave you a job, and you took the money, to trash it for what I suspect is very cynical reasons, shows a decided lack of class, no less honor.

There is supposed to be an esprit de corps between artistic colleagues.

But it would appear the objective was accomplished.

Congratulations

Q

Tarantino has been criticized for the use of the N-word in his films fairly often over the years. In 1997, Spike Lee criticized the 38 uses of the word in Jackie Brown, saying, per Variety, “Quentin is infatuated with that word. What does he want to be made – an honorary black man?” The same article claims that Lee went to Weinstein at the time to speak about the “excessive” use of the word in Tarantino’s film. Tarantino also responded to this general criticism back in 2022, saying, “Then see something else. If you have a problem with my movies then they aren’t the movies to go see. Apparently I’m not making them for you.”