Kat Graham's racial justice work comes through in new Tyler Perry film 'Duplicity'

By Fredlyn Pierre Louis

Kat Graham stars as a high-powered attorney who finds herself entangled in a deeply personal case in Tyler Perry’s new film, “Duplicity,” out on Prime Video.

Graham, who had a breakout role in “The Vampire Diaries,” plays Marley Wells, a lawyer pursuing justice for her best friend’s husband, who was shot by a white police officer. There are, of course, dramatic twists and turns along the way.

The actress said she was immediately drawn to the project because of its real-world relevance. She told NBC News that losing her brother to gun violence a few years ago has deeply shaped her perspective on justice and the importance of addressing systemic violence.

“When I got the script and realized that the character was seeking justice for an unarmed Black man who was shot by police, I felt an immediate connection,” she said. “I knew I had to be part of telling this story.”

Graham, who added that she is “drawn to any and everything that Tyler Perry does,” said that she wants the film to ignite meaningful conversations about police violence and systemic injustice among audiences.

“I hope people start looking at what’s happening in the news and asking the hard questions,” she said. “We’ve become desensitized to these stories, and that’s not normal.”

Graham’s commitment to social justice goes beyond the screen. “Equal rights and human rights have been my focus,” she said. She’s worked with the United Nations since 2013, and serves as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, focusing on refugee rights and displacement crises. She has also collaborated with Rotary International to support global humanitarian efforts, including education and clean water initiatives.

“I spend a good chunk of my life working to amplify the voices of marginalized communities,” she said. “Playing this character felt like a gift from God — it gave me the opportunity to be on the right side of history and to tell a story that matters.”

In 2020, Kat Graham produced “At Risk Youth,” a PSA for the Black Lives Matter movement directed by Darren Genet and inspired by the police killings of Laquan McDonald and Tamir Rice. Graham called the PSA’s message “more relevant now than ever,” urging continued justice and accountability.

“Watching a movie is just the beginning,” she said. “Use your voice, support organizations that advocate for change, and don’t be afraid to have difficult conversations. If this film makes even one person more aware, then we’ve done our job.”

As Graham continues to seek out roles that align with her advocacy work, she remains committed to using her platform to elevate marginalized voices. “I always want to play characters who fight to win, who empower others,” she said. “This film is more than just a thriller — it’s a reminder that we have a responsibility to keep these conversations alive.”