Michael B. Jordan Pens Open Letter In Response To ‘All Lives Matter’ Controversy
Michael B. Jordan has ruffled quite a few feathers over the past couple days, and many fans have had no reservations about blasting the Fantastic Four actor via Twitter. For those who missed it, here’s the latest: First, Jordan came under fire for an “All Lives Matter” message he reportedly shared via Snapchat. Although the message didn’t sit well with an overwhelming number of social media users, apparently, there’s more. The 28-year-old actor also decided to share details about his acting preference during a recent interview with GQ. Jordan revealed that he “wanted to go for roles written for white characters.”
According to Rolling Out, Michael B. Jordan has been criticized for his “color-blind statements” by readers who have accused him of blatantly disregarding the significance of diversity in the entertainment and film industries. However, that’s not all. The criticism has also opened the door for a number of other allegations against Jordan where race relations are concerned.
Now, Jordan is responding to all of the criticism. The Awkward Moment actor recently penned an open letter addressing the statements that have caused such controversy. He also shared his personal opinion of the Black Lives Matter movement, arguing that his words were not reflected in a way that expresses his true sentiments. Jordan made it clear that he simply wants to set the record straight, according to Hollywood Reporter.
“In the interview, several points that I shared were communicated in ways that do not reflect my true feelings and opinions. In addition, there were reports written about me elsewhere that simply aren’t true. I’d like to set the record straight.”
Michael B. Jordan went on to discuss Black Lives Matter and how he supports the movement’s cause. Although he’s been accused of opposing the idea of depicting black characters in films, he cited that his portrayal of Oscar Grant in Fruitvale Station was actually his first leading role in a film.
For those who aren’t familiar with Grant, he was a 22-year-old African-American male fatally shot by police officers in the San Francisco, California, Fruitvale Station back in 2009. Grant’s death is similar to the most recent police shootings the organization is fighting to seek justice for. He also cited some of his own contributions to the fight for equality.
“I have never said, written, snap-chatted, 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,” Jordan wrote. “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.”
He went on to accuse the media of fabricating a “false claim,” and leading his fans to question his integrity. But, although the actor argues that his words have been taken completely out of context, he formally apologized for the GQ interview and how his remarks were perceived. “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.”
What do you think about Michael B. Jordan’s open letter? Share your thoughts.
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