15773: Bad Apples & Poor Apple TV+…

 

Adweek published a lengthy report titled, “Will Smith Slapping Chris Rock Overshadows Apple TV+’s Historic Oscar Win,” whining about how the Apple TV+ streaming breakthrough was upstaged by the Smith + Rock screaming brouhaha. Ironically, the Adweek report also spent more screen space on the TKO versus CODA. Poor Apple TV+ was denied its monumental moment. Oh, the humanity! Heaven forbid anyone should feel slighted that proper respect was not awarded to the fifth Best Actor Oscar in history going to a Black man.

15772: Will Smith v Chris Rock, Round Zillion.

 

There is already plenty of commentary regarding Will Smith smacking Chris Rock at the Academy Awards show—including discussions about race-based inequities and gender-based insults—but here’s one more.

 

The New York Post wondered if Smith could lose his Oscar should the Academy enforce its 2017 code of conduct that “emphasizes the importance of ‘upholding the Academy’s values,’ like inclusion, fostering supportive environments, and ‘respect for human dignity.’”

 

The Post story stated that when the code of conduct was issued, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO Dawn Hudson wrote, “There is no place in the Academy for people who abuse their status, power or influence in a manner that violates recognized standards of decency. The Academy is categorically opposed to any form of abuse, harassment or discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, or nationality. The Board of Governors believes that these standards are essential to the Academy’s mission and reflective of our values.”

 

Indeed, the Academy was quick declare that it “does not condone violence of any form” after the Smith-Rock altercation. 

 

The scenario poses a diversity-related dilemma for sure. After all, if Smith were reprimanded for his violent outburst, could Rock also be subject to disciplinary action for his joke? As has been reported, the recipient of the off-color remark—Jada Pinkett Smith—is affected by alopecia, an autoimmune disease. In short, Rock’s “G.I. Jane” joke could be deemed as publicly shaming a person with a disability. That’s grounds for dismissal in most professional settings.

 

The incident definitely presented opportunities for a variety of teachable moments. And it underscores the need for forgiveness across the board. In the words of Marvin Gaye:

 

Father, father

We don't need to escalate

You see, war is not the answer

For only love can conquer hate

13151: Advertising Hall Of Same.

Oops. Missed the deadline to join the AAF in congratulating the all-White honorees being inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame. Will Chris Rock serve as emcee for the gala ceremony? Oh, and check out the stock photography displaying clichéd diversity on the AAF website.

12310: Culturally Clueless In Hollywood.

The New York Times reported Sony Pictures Chair Amy Pascal and film producer Scott Rudin issued the obligatory apologies for their culturally clueless email exchange first revealed by BuzzFeed. Not sure why Pascal still has a job, as her emails would be grounds for termination by most professional fields in these racially-sensitive times. On the other hand, Rudin is a notorious asshole, so no one should be surprised by his commentary. The executives’ conversation certainly underscores what Chris Rock recently said about Hollywood—a viewpoint that was further supported via the ignorance displayed by media mogul Rupert Murdoch and film director Ridley Scott.

Meanwhile, The New York Daily News reported Sony put the brakes on a press junket to promote the latest movie starring Kevin Hart, who received unflattering criticism in another email exchange between Pascal and Sony executives. If Pascal authorized halting Hart’s promo tour, she should definitely be canned. Another report from The New York Daily News claimed a source is saying Pascal will soon be fired. Pull the trigger already, Sony.

Finally, Pascal and Rudin should be banned from any upcoming awards ceremonies.

Sony Film Executives Apologize for Racially Tinged Emails About Obama

By Brooks Barnes and Michael Cieply

LOS ANGELES — Embarrassing, racially tinged emails about President Obama’s imagined movie tastes, posted online by hackers and reported by news sites, prompted public apologies on Thursday from Sony Pictures Entertainment’s movie chief and one of its top producers.

“To anybody I’ve offended, I’m profoundly and deeply sorry, and I regret and apologize for any injury they might have caused,” the film producer Scott Rudin said in a statement after the disclosure of his private email banter with Amy Pascal, Sony’s co-chairwoman, about Mr. Obama and black-themed films. “I made a series of remarks that were meant only to be funny, but in the cold light of day, they are in fact thoughtless and insensitive — and not funny at all.”

Ms. Pascal said in her own statement: “The content of my emails to Scott were insensitive and inappropriate but are not an accurate reflection of who I am. Although this was a private communication that was stolen, I accept full responsibility for what I wrote and apologize to everyone who was offended.”

The email exchange in question, reported by BuzzFeed, took place before Ms. Pascal attended a breakfast for Mr. Obama that was organized by Jeffrey Katzenberg, chief executive of DreamWorks Animation.

“What should I ask the president at this stupid Jeffrey breakfast?” Ms. Pascal asked Mr. Rudin in an opening query. She then speculated that she might ask if Mr. Obama liked “Django Unchained,” about a former slave. Mr. Rudin countered with a suggestion about “12 Years a Slave,” while Ms. Pascal suggested other films involving African-Americans.

Finally, Mr. Rudin wrote: “Ride-along. I bet he likes Kevin Hart.” The email referred to a broad comedy, from Universal Pictures, that starred Mr. Hart and Ice Cube.

Mr. Rudin, who has been a producer of films like “Captain Phillips” and “The Social Network” for Sony, added in his apology, first posted on Deadline.com, that “private emails between friends and colleagues written in haste and without much thought or sensitivity, even when the content of them is meant to be in jest, can result in offense where none was intended.”

The emails were disclosed as part of a continuing dump of documents by hackers who attacked Sony’s computer systems, beginning in late November.

In a separate email exchange, also disclosed online, another Sony executive, Clint Culpepper, used harsh language in suggesting that the studio rebuff a salary demand from Mr. Hart, who has starred in several films for the company’s Screen Gems unit, including a coming movie, “The Wedding Ringer.”

“I’m not saying he’s a whore, but he’s a whore,” Mr. Culpepper wrote.

Representatives of the studio did not comment on Mr. Culpepper’s remarks. A spokeswoman for Mr. Hart directed a reporter seeking comment to an assertive post on his Instagram account. “I will never allow myself to be taken advantage of,” Mr. Hart wrote. “I refuse to be broken.”

Also on Thursday, the Rev. Al Sharpton, in a statement, condemned the exchange between Ms. Pascal and Mr. Rudin as “offensive, insulting” and took further aim at Ms. Pascal, saying her comments reflected a “troubling” lack of diversity at her studio and others.

People familiar with Sony’s response to the attack, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly, have said they expect to face further unauthorized disclosures in the days ahead.

12280: Rocking Hollywood.

From The New York Daily News…

Chris Rock sounds off on race in Hollywood: ‘It’s a white industry’

The ‘Top Five’ actor penned an essay published Wednesday in The Hollywood Reporter discussing African-Americans’ treatment by the film industry, including his own experiences. He also said that Mexican-Americans are treated worse than black people, writing that ‘there’s just an acceptance that there’s a slave state in L.A.’

By Kirthana Ramisett

Chris Rock has written a candid and bleakly funny essay about his experience in Hollywood.

The “Top Five” actor, writer and director offered his point of view in navigating the movie industry in an essay published Wednesday by The Hollywood Reporter — and he doesn’t hold back in describing its treatment of minorities.

In the essay, Rock discussed how he often offers advice to other black performers because he was similarly helped in his career by stars such as Eddie Murphy and Keenan Wayans.

“I’d do the same for a young white guy, but here’s the difference: someone’s going to help the white guy,” the star pointed out. “The people whom I’ve tried to help, I’m not sure anybody was going to help them.”

Rock revealed that he got new “SNL” cast member Leslie Jones an audition with the show’s producer, Lorne Michaels. He said that he strived to assist younger stars because “there aren’t that many black people to turn to.”

“It’s a white industry,” Rock added. “I’m not even saying it’s a bad thing. It just is.”

As examples, the comedian notes how there are no major black film executives, agents or producers. He also said that when it came to casting the lead female role in season 2 of “True Detective,” there were no black actresses said to be up for the role, which went to Rachel McAdams.

“I didn’t hear one black girl’s name on those lists,” Rock wrote. “Not one.

“Literally everyone in town was up for that part, unless you were black. And I haven’t read the script, but something tells me if Gabrielle Union were Colin Farrell’s wife, it wouldn’t change a thing.”

Rock also points out that while black people struggle to find roles and have little representation at movie studios, Mexican-Americans are treated even worse.

“It’s the most liberal town in the world, and there’s a part of it that’s kind of racist — not racist like ‘F--- you, n----’ racist, but just an acceptance that there’s a slave state in L.A,” the 49-year-old wrote.

“There’s this acceptance that Mexicans are going to take care of white people in L.A. that doesn’t exist anywhere else.”

But the “Top Five” actor says he finds there has been some progress in terms of the expanded opportunities for black actors and filmmakers, citing a skit he did when he hosted “Saturday Night Live” last month, in which he played a father who disapproves of his daughter’s Internet show.

“Twenty years ago when I was on ‘Saturday Night Live,’ anything with black people on the show had to deal with race, and that sketch we did didn’t have anything to do with race,” he wrote. “That was the beauty: the sketch is funny because it’s funny, and that’s the progress.”

“And there are black guys who are making it: whatever Kevin Hart wants to do right now, he can do; I think (‘12 Years a Slave’ actor) Chiwetel Ejiofor is a really respected actor who is getting a lot of great shots just because he’s really good; if (‘12 Years a Slave’ director) Steve McQueen wants to direct a Marvel movie, they would salivate to get him.

“Change just takes time,” he added.

10922: Rock Tackles NFL Diversity.

From USA TODAY…

Chris Rock can’t believe no minority NFL coaches hired

By Simon Samano

In the year 2013 in America, when the NFL has eight head-coaching vacancies, how is it even possible that not one of those positions is filled by a person of color?

And yet that is what happened, and since it did, surely that question was on the mind of comedian Chris Rock when he tweeted this to his 1.5 million followers Friday night:

Andy Reid wins 4 games and everybody wants him Lovie smith wins 10 games and can’t get a job.

Seriously, what’s up with that?

Of course, this issue of the NFL’s lack of minority coaches—there will be just four next season—isn’t that simple. But Rock has a point here.

Reid, who the Chiefs hired after he was fired by the Eagles following a 4-12 season, posted a winning percentage of .583 with one Super Bowl appearance in 14 years in Philadelphia. Smith, meanwhile, was fired by the Bears after a 10-6 season and remains unemployed after posting a .562 winning percentage and also appearing in one Super Bowl—with Rex Grossman as his quarterback, we might add—in nine years in Chicago.

It’s hard to fathom that nobody wanted a proven winner to take over their team, but that’s the unfortunate reality for Smith.

So back to the original question: How is this still able to happen?

Or better yet, answer this one, which puts the issue in perspective: If Doug Marrone, hired by the Bills after a mediocre 25-25 run in four years at Syracuse, was a minority, would that have been good enough to earn him a shot at the big time?

Be honest.

8889: Between A Rock And A Hard Place.

Sunday Evening News with a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Chris Rock initially defended Tracy Morgan’s anti-gay comedy routine, but later backtracked and condemned it. Perhaps Rock could show Morgan how it’s done…?

• A new Gallup poll showed the general economy and unemployment are Americans’ top two concerns. While Whites rated the general economy as the top concern, Blacks felt unemployment was the number one issue. Both groups, however, agreed that Tracy Morgan’s anti-gay comedy routine deserved condemnation.

8617: New Ebony Is A Work-In-Progress.

Picked up a copy of the allegedly new and improved Ebony. There’s definitely potential here, but the editorial staff must continue refining the publication.

For starters, the type is too small. Or maybe it’s too light. Or both. Grandma and Grandpa are gonna struggle reading it—guaranteed. Some of the blurbs are damn near microscopic. And the typography overall is busier than necessary. It feels like the magazine is averaging eight fonts per page.

Don’t mean to sound conservative, but it wouldn’t hurt to graphically calm things down too. Simplify your grid, folks. The cover should have one dominant visual and fewer subheads. Stick with single versus group portraits. The interior spreads with Chris Rock, Mo’Nique and Steve Harvey work well. Others, not so much.

Love the idea of featuring guest editors. However, Ebony can do a lot better than Kevin Hart. He’s not funny in the 2011 Ford Explorer campaign, and even less so in an edition boasting to be “The Biggest, Baddest Comedy Issue Ever.” Sorry.

Again, there’s definitely potential here. Keep it simple. Less is more. Blah, blah. blah.

Essay 4279

Studying the news in a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• A new study shows preschoolers believe anything made by Mickey D’s tastes better. Even wrapping vegetables and fruit in McDonald’s wrappers makes things more appealing to children. “You see a McDonald’s label, and kids start salivating,” said a childhood-development specialist. Let’s call it McPavlov Conditioning.

• A new study shows drinking at least three cups of coffee per day helps fight memory decline in older women. Preschoolers who drink three cups of coffee per day at Mickey D’s love the taste, but tend to not remember who they are.

• Busta Rhymes is now facing a lawsuit from a fan claiming the rapper and his crew beat him after he spit on Rhyme’s ride in 2006. If he loses the case, the fan can try to sell MTV a “Ptooey My Ride” series concept.

• A DNA test proved Chris Rock is not the father of a 13-year-old kid whose mom sought to sue for child support. Guess you can add one more irate mother to the list of everybody who hates Chris.