Indigenous costume designer sues 'Killers of the Flower Moon' creators for alleged erasure and discrimination

Details

By Jenna Kunze

May 30, 2024

The creators of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” a 2023 Martin Scorcese film celebrated for its depiction of the true history of Native Americans, are now facing a lawsuit from a Native costume designer.

Kristi Marie Hoffman, an enrolled citizen of the Chippewa Indian Tribe of Sault Sainte Marie, worked for nearly a year researching, sourcing and designing the indigenous clothing worn in the film. Last week, she filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that her name and work were discredited during promotion of the film, in retaliation for a previous lawsuit she filed alleging racial discrimination on set.

The lawsuit names Apple Studios, Apple Inc, the Costume Designer's Guild and the production's lead costume designer, Jaqueline West, as defendants.

“During the course of her employment and on set, Hoffman encountered instances of racial discrimination that affected her mentally and emotionally,” the lawsuit notes.

Hoffman had filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in July 2021 for alleged discrimination, which was settled in confidence in December 2022.

“Killers of the Flower Moon,” released in October 2023, was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, seven Golden Globe Awards, 12 Critics Choice Awards and three SAG Awards. Among his nominations was a Costume Designers Guild award for excellence in period films, a nomination that initially listed Hoffman as first assistant costume designer — a title that was later removed, according to the lawsuit.

The film was also nominated for an Academy Award for its costume design, although Hoffman was not listed as a contributor.

“Although Hoffman was the principal ACD (first assistant costume designer) and did most of the research and costume design for the film, defendants not only specifically excluded her involvement in its promotion, but also completely ignored his work and instead represented the audience to “It's obvious that the costume design work, his work, was the product of West and a consultant on the film, Julie O'Keefe,” claims the trial.

Interviews and articles in Vanity fair, Harper's BazaarThe Hollywood Reporter, And Los Angeles Times point out the film's “impeccable costumes,” but no reports mention Hoffman or his work.

Apple did not respond Native News online request for comment at time of publication.

More stories like this

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council Welcomes U.S. Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs
Indigenous organizations announce National Day of Action and Reflection on Centennial of Citizenship
Navajo Nation President Disputes Vice President's 'False Accusations'
Republican senator blocks nomination of first Native American to federal judgeship in Montana