Michael B. Jordan reached out to Essence Magazine to pen an open letter and official apology.
The actor writes:
First and foremost, I believe that Black Lives Matter – unequivocally and without exception. I have never said, written, snapchatted, tweeted, Instagrammed or implied anything to the contrary. Any report that states otherwise is a complete fabrication. I portrayed Oscar Grant in my first leading role in a feature film, Fruitvale Station. I am a founding member of the Blackout for Human Rights Network. I gave a speech just a few months ago on the importance of the Black Lives Matter Movement at the BET Awards. It is frustrating to see a false claim stirred up on social media which has caused my supporters to question where I stand on this crucial issue. But I am confident that my history and continued engagement with my community will speak louder than unfounded rumors.
Secondly, it is challenging to have a nuanced conversation about race and Hollywood period. This sensitive subject becomes even more complicated when you’re dealing with soundbites and articles. A simple idea or opinion can be abbreviated and distorted as it is communicated to readers out of context. Allow me to be clear about my ideas on roles traditionally reserved for White actors. My goal is for my choices and opportunities, as well as those of my fellow actors and actresses of color, to be predicated on our talent, ability and passion and not on false notions of what color an artist must be to play certain roles. I’ve had the honor to portray Black characters written and directed by Black filmmakers—a privilege that too few actors of color enjoy because of the challenges of Black artistry and access behind the camera. But in addition to those wonderful roles, I also want to have the option to play all kinds of parts with no door closed to actors and actresses like myself.
Lastly, my fans who are women mean the world to me. This is especially true of Black women, who as a group have supported my work long before the industry knew my name. I deeply regret and am ashamed that I said anything to disappoint or disparage them. I apologize with my whole heart for referring to women in the way that I did. The word ‘female’ used in the manner that I did is dismissive and strips women of their humanity. It is a slang term that guys sometimes use to sound slick and cool coming up. But words have power and I realize now more than ever that this careless language is dehumanizing, inappropriate, and immature. I’m a better man than that. This reference to women will not come out of my mouth publicly or in private again.
In all, although some of what I said was taken out of context, I take full responsibility for the interview and I apologize for the hurt and confusion it has caused. This has been an important lesson for me. I humbly ask my fans to grow with me, as I learn more about myself and this industry.
You can read the entire letter in full here.
Bullsh-t!
I see he finally hired a publicist. Anyway, if he said the comments to GQ, that’s the platform he should be using to apologize.
I think it’s a little too late for apologies.
I’m torn…. I still want to see Creed- cause I’m a huge Rocky fan…. But I’m not sure I believe him so I might sit this one out…. Note: I saw fantastic four twice! Once by myself to make sure it was appropriate for my young cousins & 2 time with them…. So I’m sad he’s losing me as a Fan.
Why is he apologizing when he meant what he said?
I’m unmoved by this apology but whatever.
He’s learning the hard way how important it is to be loyal to your black fans. We’re more important to his success than he realizes.
He’s sorry his true colors were shown and that he was called out for them. I’m still done with him.
Boy bye.
Ummm like some1 mentioned earlier he made the slick ignorant comments in the GQ magazine how come he didn’t reach out to them to pen his apology letter AS WELL. I am still not feeling him or his apology. He could date who he wants in his perks all life but he should’ve had enough sense and self knowledge to not down Black women. Black women are the most sort after and complexed beings walking this Earth….every other woman wants to be us and tries. White men lust after us…..and this fool decided to go against us….something White and other races NEVER do to each other….I despise Blk people that honk like him
Ugh IPhone autocorrect is soooo annoying
He would have never apologized if Black Twitter had not of dragged him.
This reads like it was written by a publicist.
Whatever sellout.
So disappointed
I’m done with him. Next.
So he figured it would be best to apologize through the black magazine but not the mainstream one he originally did the interview with. Interesting.
I’m not here for his a-s.
He didn’t even apologize for the most offensive crap he said. I’m done with this guy.
This doesn’t seem like a genuine apology.
Well he’s been saying some shady stuff so this apology probably won’t help him much.
Apology is not genuine, he only apologized because his manager told him to.