Rosanna Arquette Criticizes Tarantino's Use of N-Word in Films

Arquette, who starred in Tarantino's 'Pulp Fiction', says his use of racist language is 'not art, it's just racist and creepy'

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Actress Rosanna Arquette, who had a small role in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 hit film 'Pulp Fiction', has criticized the director's frequent use of the N-word in his movies, calling it 'racist and creepy'. Arquette said she is 'over' Tarantino's use of the racial slur, which has been a controversial aspect of his filmmaking style for years.

Why it matters

Tarantino's use of the N-word in his films, including 'Pulp Fiction', 'Django Unchained', and 'The Hateful Eight', has long been a source of criticism, with some arguing it is an unnecessary and harmful artistic choice. Arquette's comments add to the ongoing debate around whether Tarantino's usage of the slur can be justified as 'art' or if it is simply 'racist'.

The details

In a new interview, 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 [Tarantino] has been given a hall pass. It's not art, it's just racist and creepy.' Arquette also revealed that she was the only 'Pulp Fiction' cast member who did not receive a share of the film's box office success, blaming disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein.

  • Rosanna Arquette's comments were made in a March 7, 2026 interview with The Sunday Times.

The players

Rosanna Arquette

A veteran actress who had a small role in Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film 'Pulp Fiction'.

Quentin Tarantino

The acclaimed writer and director known for his use of profanity and racial slurs in his films.

Samuel L. Jackson

A longtime collaborator of Quentin Tarantino who has defended the director's use of racist language in his movies.

Harvey Weinstein

The disgraced film producer who produced 'Pulp Fiction', but did not give Rosanna Arquette a share of the film's box office success.

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What they’re saying

“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 [Tarantino] has been given a hall pass. It's not art, it's just racist and creepy.”

— Rosanna Arquette, Actress (The Sunday Times)

“There's no dishonesty in anything that [Tarantino] writes or how people talk, feel or speak [in his movies].”

— Samuel L. Jackson, Actor (Variety)

The takeaway

Rosanna Arquette's criticism of Quentin Tarantino's use of the N-word in his films adds to the ongoing debate around whether the director's artistic choices are justified or simply racist. While some, like longtime collaborator Samuel L. Jackson, have defended Tarantino, Arquette's perspective as a 'Pulp Fiction' cast member provides a unique insider's view on the controversy.