Latest news with #blackface
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kelly was fired after defending blackface on air in 2018.
Megyn Kelly unironically took aim at Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman for having worn blackface, despite her own comments defending the act that led to her firing from NBC. Kelly called out Kimmel and Silverman after Kimmel appeared on the latter's podcast, where he lamented the state of the country under Donald Trump and revealed that he obtained dual citizenship in Italy—joining the club of celebrities who are fleeing the country to escape Trump's second presidency. 'What's going on is as bad as you thought it was gonna be,' Kimmel told Silverman, as she agreed. 'It's so much worse; it's just unbelievable,' he went on.
CBS News
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Organizers apologize for blackface performance at Oak Forest, Illinois, community event
Organizers are apologizing after some performers wore blackface at a community event last month. It happened at the Zespol Wanta and Mloda Wanta Piknik held on July 20 in Oak Forest, Illinois. Performers at the event did a rendition of a scene from the film "Sister Act," but some wore blackface and costumes that exaggerated their backside. Baumert Law, representing the organizers Zespol Wanta and Mloda Wanta, issued a statement on their behalf apologizing to residents and community members who felt offended by the performance, as well as to those who viewed the photos online. "The performers involved are primarily children, members of a youth ensemble, whose intent was solely to present an enthusiastic and lighthearted interpretation of a well-known musical scene. At no point did these young performers, their families, or the organizers intend to insult, ridicule, or harm the feelings or dignity of anyone," attorney Michael Baumert said. The firm said Zespol Wanta and Mloda Wanta are committed to taking tangible steps to ensure they learn from their mistake. Read the full statement below: "On behalf of our clients, we wish to express our most sincere and unequivocal apologies to all individuals and groups who may have felt offended, marginalized, or hurt by elements of the performance, including the use of blackface and any inappropriate portrayals. We have received and heard the concerns voiced by local residents, fellow community members, and those who viewed the images online. We acknowledge these concerns with deep humility, and we are committed to fully understanding the gravity of the impact. It is important to note that before this matter escalated in public discussion and online forums, neither Zespol Wanta nor Mloda Wanta was given the opportunity to offer an explanation, provide context, or respond directly to the concerns raised. If any part of the program was received as demeaning, insensitive, or offensive, we express our deep regret. We emphasize again: there was never any intention to question anyone's humanity or inflict emotional pain. Nevertheless, we fully recognize that intent does not erase impact, and we take the resulting harm seriously. Our group comprises individuals who themselves belong to minority communities, including, notably, the Podhale highlander community. With personal experience in preserving tradition and facing misunderstanding or prejudice, our clients deeply value and celebrate cultural diversity. They know firsthand the importance of fostering mutual respect, belonging, and sensitivity, and they pledge to uphold these values at every event. This incident has highlighted the need for greater awareness and education around issues of race, representation, and respect. Zespol Wanta and Mloda Wanta commit to taking tangible steps to ensure we learn from this mistake. We thank all those who brought the issue to our attention and gave us the opportunity to reflect, learn, and improve. Our clients welcome honest feedback and hope this public apology and commitment to change will be the first step in healing and growing together as a stronger, united community. Once again, on behalf of Zespol Wanta and Mloda Wanta, we extend our heartfelt apologies, heartfelt remorse, and promise of concrete action toward inclusivity and respect for all."
CBS News
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Blackface in performance at Oak Forest, Illinois community event leads to backlash online
CBS News Chicago would like to warn our readers that this story contains photos that are highly offensive and that some readers may find upsetting. A performance held at a picnic in Oak Forest, Illinois, last month received backlash online after some of the performers wore blackface. The performance happened on July 20 at the Zespol Wanta and Mloda Wanta Piknik, which was held at the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict religious facility on 147th Street, part of Oak Forest's Polish community. The picnic advertised that a rendition of a scene from the film "Sister Act" would be performed. But when it came time for that performance, not everyone was prepared for what followed. Magda Purkała, who attends the picnics as a way for her and her children to socialize, said she was shocked by what she saw. "The host announced that he has special guests from Africa, and that they are backstage," she said. "Then the 'guests' came onstage and I was immediately feeling uncomfortable and inappropriate. A woman was dressed in a very stereotypical caricature of a Black woman. She had a exaggerated butt and Black face, and practiced with gospel style vocals. The performance started and the host announced another special guest, which was a man who was supposed to represent a famous Black rap musician." She sent CBS News Chicago just some of the images from the performance that have since been shared online. Purkała said this is the first time she's witnessed this behavior at the picnics she attended. "I felt disgusted and appalled," she said. "I do not understand how anyone thinks blackface in 2025 is appropriate. Mocking people and cultures is never okay and I'm especially disappointed in the host and organizer, who have dismissed the criticism and tried to downplay the performance as a 'parody.' Polish stereotypes exist and Polish people know how hurtful and damaging they are, so why mock and stereotype other cultures? It's racism, plain and simple. Shame on those who approved the performance." Purkała said she will no longer attend the events if similar performances were to happen again. "I would say I hope they learned a lesson from this, apologize, so we can move forward as a community. People want to have a good time at these events and celebrate our cultures. Let's be mindful of others and include them in our festivities," she said. While the city did not sponsor the event, CBS News Chicago reached out to them for comment and received a reply from the mayor's office that said, "The first and only message the City of Oak Forest received regarding the performance came in through our Facebook page on Saturday, July 26. We are not aware of any input or complaints from residents." The office added: "The City of Oak Forest is deeply disturbed by the performance during the Zespol Wanta Charity Picnic on Saturday, July 20 at the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict property. While the picnic was a permitted event, it was not a city-sponsored event. This incredibly insensitive performance does not reflect the values, beliefs or ideals of our community." The Archdiocese of Chicago said in a statement: "The recent picnic event was organized solely by the Polish WANTA folk dance group. It was not sponsored, co-hosted, or affiliated with any parish of the Archdiocese of Chicago. The group rented the grounds from the Benedictine Sisters in Oak Forest for the occasion. At the start of the event, a Cistercian Father from Willow Springs was invited to celebrate the Mass. This was the extent of the Catholic Church's involvement." CBS News Chicago has also reached out to the monastery for comment, but has yet to hear back.
Telegraph
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Lenny Henry says he needed therapy after going on The Black and White Minstrel Show
Sir Lenny Henry has said he needed therapy after appearing on The Black and White Minstrel Show. The comedian admitted he 'didn't realise' what he was doing when he became the first black performer to appear on the controversial BBC programme. The prime-time entertainment show, which ran from 1958 to 1978, was known for white singers and actors donning blackface for their acts. However, Henry, 66, who appeared on the show as a teenager, has revealed the toll it took on his mental health. Speaking to The Times, he said: 'I was 16 and didn't realise what I was doing.' Henry, who worked on the show between 1975 and 1979, has previously spoken about regretting his family not intervening to stop him taking part. 'Many lows' The comic said he has been receiving grief therapy ever since his mother died in 1998, but admitted he needed therapy sooner. 'I have had several times when I needed help,' he added. 'Many lows, even at 16 doing the Minstrel Show. But I'm much better at admitting I need help now.' Henry continued: 'The last decade has seen more people admit they need help – which is a big deal. 'If you need help, seek it out. Because the alternative is unthinkable. There is a lot available that we don't access, because we think we can beat it on our own, so also: talk to your friends. If a mate comes to you with a problem, listen.' Henry has previously said he was contractually obliged to take part in the programme which had already come under scrutiny before his appearance on it. In May 1967, the Campaign Against Racial Discrimination submitted a petition for it to be axed by the corporation. But it was not until the late 1970s that it was eventually pulled – partly because variety shows' popularity was waning with audiences.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Peter Andre is supported by children Princess and Junior at screening of controversial film Jafaican after accusations of 'modern blackface'
Peter Andre was supported by his children Princess and Junior as they attended a special screening of Jafaican in London on Tuesday. The singer has been accused of 'posing in modern blackface,' after wearing dreadlocks and adopting Jamaican accent for his role as con artist Gary Buckle - who is pretending to be a Jamaican gangster. Gary, also known as Gazza, must master Jamaican culture in 21 days in order to execute a fraud in London and Jamaica and earn the £35,000 (AUD $72,321) he needs to pay for his grandmother's care. Attending the VIP private screening at Genesis Cinema, Junior, 19, and Princess, 17, walked beside Peter and posed for photos on the red carpet. He looked smart in a beige linen blazer, which he teamed with a matching pair of trousers and and a white shirt. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Princess looked stylish in a black jumpsuit wit knee boots and a grey leather bomber jacket. Meanwhile, junior opted for double denim and teamed a ligt blue jacket with a pair of distressed jeans. Peter shares his two eldest children Junior and Princess with his ex-wife Katie Price, and also has three with his wife Dr Emily MacDonagh, Amelia, 11, Theo, 9, and Arabella, 13 months. Speaking during the publicity trail for the film, British/Nigerian writer and director Fredi Nwaka, insisted that the world needs comedy now more than ever, but didn't directly address the controversy and backlash. 'We live in a world that is so serious man, it's like people have forgotten how to laugh' he told Adelaide Now. 'We've forgotten how to smile and we've forgotten how to really leave the negative behind, even if it's for a moment' he continued. 'Comedy allows us to escape from our everyday life. Laughter – that's the most infectious thing.' With the film set to release later this year, its trailer showed Peter wearing dreadlocks and putting on a Jamaican accent - something which fans have called 'profoundly disrespectful '. The trailer made fans question: 'Did I wake up in 1998?!' 'Peter Andre starring as the lead character of a film called JAFAICAN where he's pretending to be a Jamaican and wearing a dreadlock wig is not something I was expecting to see in the year of our Lord 2025 but here we are...' another said. 'There's a movie coming out with Peter Andre in a dreadlock wig pretending to be Jamaican. Is this really what we're doing in 2025?' one more chimed in. 'Why on earth has YouTube just recommended me a trailer for a film starring Peter Andre about a man posing as a fake Jamaican? Did I wake up in 1998?' One fan noticed Peter had deleted his tweet in light of the negative response and asked: 'So Peter Andre deleted his tweet, does that mean Jafaican is being scrapped?' However the trailer didn't receive all negative comments after other social media users shared their excitement ahead of the film's release. 'We live in a world that is so serious man, it's like people have forgotten how to laugh' the director insisted Peter first posted the trailer on his Instagram over the weekend as he announced: 'The OFFICIAL trailer for JAFAICAN has just dropped! Coming to cinemas soon….' Revealing his upcoming promo work for the film he confirmed the world premiere will be at the Gold Coast Film Festival on May 9 and teased that news on a UK premiere would be coming soon. One excited fan penned: 'Peter that looks amazing can't wait to see this brilliant'. Another wrote: 'Oh yes!!!! looking forward to this @peterandre can't wait'. 'I wish I could have watched this being filmed' someone else said.
