Blac Chyna Takes On Controversial Role as Anti-Abortion Activist Bevelyn B. Williams in “Pardon Me”
Los Angeles, CA – Angela White, widely known as Blac Chyna, is stepping into a role that promises to ignite considerable debate, portraying controversial anti-abortion activist Bevelyn B. Williams in the new biographical film Pardon Me. The 37-year-old model and reality television personality embraces the challenge, asserting her mastery of the demanding character.
Embracing the Backlash: Angela White’s Perspective
White, who has increasingly transitioned to using her birth name, shared with PEOPLE her readiness for the inevitable criticism. “Pardon Me is definitely something that has shaped my perspective and let me know that I can play a lead role,” she stated. “I could tap into another person because it’s a difference when you have a character, but you can make it your own. And I feel like playing somebody might be the hardest in my mind to master, but I feel like I mastered it.” Addressing potential backlash, White emphasized the distinction between an actress and her character: “I have gotten a little bit of backlash from it, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
The Real Story: Bevelyn B. Williams’ Activism and Legal Battles
The film delves into the real-life story of Bevelyn B. Williams, whose activism garnered national attention following a contentious protest in June 2020 outside a Planned Parenthood clinic in Manhattan. Federal prosecutors detailed how Williams allegedly blocked clinic doors, threatened staff, and, by pressing against an entrance, injured a staff member’s hand. Prosecutors also cited her history of similar behavior at clinics across multiple states.
Williams’ actions led to her conviction in February 2024 for violating the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a 1994 law designed to prohibit physical obstruction, threats, or injury to individuals accessing or providing reproductive health services, while still upholding the right to peaceful protest. In July 2024, a Manhattan federal court jury found Williams guilty, sentencing her to 41 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release.
Presidential Pardon and Public Reaction
However, Williams’ incarceration was short-lived. On January 23, just months into her sentence, she received a full and unconditional presidential pardon from then-President Donald Trump. This pardon, extended to 23 other anti-abortion activists convicted under the FACE Act, immediately nullified her conviction and ended her prison term. Damian Williams, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, commented at the time of her sentencing that “Bevelyn Beatty Williams repeatedly intimidated and interfered with individuals seeking and providing critical reproductive health services.”
Angela White’s Empowering Decision
Angela White views her decision to undertake this “controversial” role as an empowering one. “The decision for me to play this role was easy. I knew that it would probably stir up a few things because of the message and what she stands for and that’s exactly why I did it,” she explained. “I’ve walked so a lot of people can run in this industry.”
Pardon Me is currently playing in theaters, inviting audiences to grapple with the complex narrative of activism, legal boundaries, and public perception.
