There have always been doubts about Jasmine's ethnic background and heritage.
Had they actually cast an obscure Middle Eastern actress for this high-budget Hollywood film, perhaps the fame and recognition she would receive would propel her to a position from which she could speak for and represent other people with a heritage like hers.
This prompted people to question Hollywood's use of Indians and Arabs as interchangeable.
She gets her English origins from her father, Christopher Scott, an English pastor.