A TEN-year-old boy was told to cut off his locks if he wanted a leading role in The Lion King musical. 

Makai Williams,10, impressed judges during the preliminary rounds of the audition process and even submitted up to four videos as part of his application 

But according to his family, a casting agent said he would have to cut off his hair if he were to secure the lead role to play the character Simba. 

The ruling has angered Makai’s family, who are originally from Dominica. They have called the decision an attack on their son’s African Caribbean identity. 

Speaking exclusively to The Voice, his father, Davis Williams, said: “You have a cultural role and you are looking for a young African lion, but will not accept someone who has hair which reflects their own African Caribbean culture. 

“They were looking for young black boys but then they are asking them to cut their hair, which I just don’t think is right.

“It doesn’t make any sense at all.”

Mr Williams, from Finsbury Park in north London, said his son has been left upset following the decision but is determined to keep his flowing locks, which he has been growing since he was born.

He says the explanation given was that his son’s shoulder length locks would mean a Simba crown would not fit on his head. 

“His locks are nice and neat and can be tied up or to the side, and I am sure there could be a way around it, but they were adamant the only solution was to cut his hair,” he added.

The father-of-two, who is the founder of the Gift of Manhood charity which offers mentoring to young Black boys and encourages them to be proud of their heritage, said he was “deeply offended at the suggestion” and says cutting his son’s hair was “non-negotiable.”

Mr Williams said his work at the academy often mentions the story of The Lion King during workshops on identity and heritage, but their recommendation is making him think twice about any future references to the film. 

The family are not Rastafarians, but say Makai’s locks are a way for him to embrace his Caribbean roots. 

“My son loves his hair to bits, it is part of him and who he is and his hair makes him stand out and gives him a sense of pride,” Mr Williams explained. 

Speaking to The Voice, Makai said he won’t let this stop him from continuing to be proud of his hair and who he is. 

He said: “I love my locks because they are long and they can get even longer and I can do many hairstyles with them.”

Mr Williams revealed that he and Makai’s mother, had contacted the casting agent to challenge the decision but they failed to get back to them. 

The family discovered the casting opportunity on social media and thought it would be great for their son, because he loves the film. 

According to a children’s casting appeal on musical’s website, the only requirements listed are age and height preferences and that the applicant must be educated and live in the UK. 

Makai told The Voice, he is determined to work hard to fulfil his dream of becoming a scientist and doctor and won’t let this knockback deter him.

For Mr Williams, he says it is not about his son winning all the time and all he wants is for the audition process to be fair and not discriminate against boys with locks. 

He now hopes his son will be given the same opportunity like everyone else to go through the process. 

He said: “I hope the agents will reconsider and allow Makai to audition and make their decision based on his ability and not his hair.”

A spokesperson for The Lion King said: “At The Lion King, we pride ourselves in being an equal opportunities employer, and our priority is to ensure that all applicants receive the same treatment regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, or race.

“As early as possible in the casting process, we endeavour to make participants aware of the potential hair fitting requirements for the production, given that the show’s wigs must fit each actor’s head safely and securely.

“As has always been the case, we will collaborate with performers to address any questions or concerns they may have about hair ahead of them becoming a member of the cast.

“Our creative team and hair staff participate in extensive training and conversation surrounding natural hair, and we would be delighted to continue talking with the actor in question should he continue in the casting process for the show.”

The family said their son’s hair can easily be tied up, or plaited to accommodate any headdress, but their suggestions were ignored.

Mr Williams said: “There wasn’t any collaboration with us on the issue and we were told his hair would have to be cut and it sounded like an ultimatum. 

“However, he would definitely like to continue with the audition process, because he was deprived that. 

“This should have never happened in the first place.” 

In recent years, many high-profile cases of discrimination against natural afro-textured hair have hit the headlines. 

These cases have prompted a group of campaigners to call for hair discrimination against those in the Black community to be officially classified as a form of racism. 

Last week, a letter was signed by MPs, writers, campaigners and other organisations calling for a ban on hair discrimination in places of work, schools and other settings.