The hit Paramount series Yellowstone has been rocked by off-screen drama, but two of its leading stars are setting the record straight. Gil Birmingham and Graham Greene, who play Thomas Rainwater and Tribal Police Officer Felix Long respectively, have launched a fierce defence of the show and its cast, vehemently denying what they label as "racist" rumours concerning co-star Kevin Costner.
Speculation has been rife that tensions between Costner, who plays patriarch John Dutton, and the show's creator Taylor Sheridan contributed to a potentially early end for the flagship series. However, Birmingham and Greene are having none of it, passionately refuting any suggestion that Costner's behaviour was in any way motivated by prejudice towards his Indigenous co-stars.
A Strong Rebuttal Against Toxic Gossip
In an exclusive and candid discussion, both actors expressed their frustration with the toxic narrative. "It's absolutely ridiculous and, frankly, offensive to suggest that," stated Birmingham, clearly exasperated by the gossip. Greene echoed this sentiment, emphasising the respectful and collaborative atmosphere on set. "Kevin has always been a consummate professional and a friend to everyone involved," Greene asserted.
Their comments serve as a powerful rebuttal to online chatter that sought to create a divisive and unfounded storyline behind the scenes. The actors highlighted the show's achievement in bringing complex Native American characters to the forefront of a major television production, something they feel this rumour undermines.
Celebrating a Legacy of Representation
Beyond dismissing the rumours, both Birmingham and Greene took the opportunity to praise Yellowstone for its pivotal role in advancing Indigenous representation in Hollywood. They credited the show with providing a platform for authentic storytelling and showcasing the talent of Native actors and creators.
The future of Yellowstone remains a topic of intense discussion among its dedicated fanbase, with a sequel series already in the works. Yet, this intervention from two of its key players ensures that the conversation will be focused on the show's legacy and quality, rather than baseless and harmful speculation.
