Michael B. Jordan came under heavy criticism recently when it was reported that a video was circulating of the Fantastic Four actor saying “All Lives Matter.” With excerpts from his GQ cover story not helping — he admitted to going for roles only intended for white actors — social media went into a frenzy. However, in an open letter via Essence, Jordan is setting the record straight, saying that he is all for the Black movement.
“I believe that Black Lives Matter — unequivocally and without exception,” he wrote. “I have never said, written, Snapchatted, tweeted, Instagrammed or implied anything to the contrary. Any report that states otherwise is a complete fabrication.”
Expounding on his stance, he said that the mixed messages expressed through social media and his race-centered GQ interview clouded his true opinion on the subject. He particularly pointed out that he valued his Black Lives Matter speech during the 2015 BET Awards and cherishes his portrayal of Black characters who hold a significant place in Black history — especially given the current times of police brutality — including Oscar Grant in Fruitvale Station.
“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,” he wrote. “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.”
Continuing to clear the air, Jordan addressed his comments made in GQ about the Black community not approving of him dating Kendall Jenner. He then apologized for referring to women as “females” in the piece.
“I deeply regret and am ashamed that I said anything to disappoint or disparage them,” he said. “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… 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.”
(via BET)
