The Hollywood Reporter published an article titled “How Michael B. Jordan Pulled Off Hollywood’s First Officially ‘Inclusive’ Production.” Oscar-nominated filmmaker Lee Daniels (Precious) said when he saw the article he “felt misled” by the headline. While he gives Jordan his due “for ensuring greater diversity” with his new project Just Mercy, Daniels contends that Jordan is not the first to do so. Daniels points out “where the article falls short is in its misrepresentation of the historical record of Hollywood.” (Michael B. Jordan will play Harvard Law civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson in the film Just Mercy which will be released in 2020.)
Daniels mentions filmmakers Melvin Van Peebles, Kasi Lemmons, Spike Lee, and Tyler Perry, among many others, who have fought for the diversification in the industry and reminds his readers to “not turn our backs on the sacrifices of the groundbreaking African-American predecessors who paved the way and opened doors for all.” Tyler Perry re-posted Daniels’s reaction and added the Wayans brothers and Robert Townsend to the list.
As a director and producer Lee Daniels has stood tall on that paved way. His films and TV work include Empire, Star, Monster’s Ball, Precious, and The Butler, among others.
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