*Issa Rae could go the independent route as major networks cancel more and more Black shows.
“You’re seeing so many Black shows get canceled, you’re seeing so many executives – especially on the DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] side – get canned. You’re seeing very clearly now that our stories are less of a priority,” the Emmy-winning writer/producer/actress told PORTER.
Rae’s comments come amid the recent cancellation of her comedy-drama “Rap Sh!t” on Max. As Deadline reports, in a statement, a Max spokesperson called “Rap Sh!t” a “one-of-a-kind comedy with compelling social commentary that reached viewers in a way only Issa’s talents can accomplish.”
“Rap Sh!t” stars Aida Osman and KaMillion as Mia and Shawna, two Miami rappers whose storylines were inspired by City Girls hip-hop duo Yung Miami and JT. The half-hour comedy follows two estranged high school friends who reunite to form a rap group, Deadline reports.
The show’s second season premiered in November 2023, and the finale episode aired on Dec. 21. Rae’s reality television show, “Sweet Life: Los Angeles,” was also canceled, as was the Rae-produced “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” Complex reports.
“I am pessimistic, because there’s no one holding anybody accountable – and I can, sure, but also at what cost?” Rae told PORTER about the current state of Black content in Hollywood.
“I can’t force you to make my stuff. It’s made me take more steps to try to be independent down the line if I have to,” she added.
As Complex reports, over the past couple of years, there have been a slew of Black shows on the chopping block, such as “The Wonder Years,” “Grand Crew,” “South Side,” and “Lovecraft Country.”
Meanwhile, Isa Rae previously slammed Hollywood for protecting dangerous predators such as actor Ezra Miller.
“While I don’t support people jumping to immediate conclusions and I think it’s entirely fair for investigations to happen, I think it’s extremely important to, like the mantra says, ‘Listen to women,’” Rae said in a 2022 interview with Elle.
“I’m gonna be real, the stuff that’s happening with Ezra Miller is, to me, a microcosm of Hollywood. There’s this person who’s a repeat offender, who’s been behaving atrociously, and as opposed to shutting them down and shutting the production down, there’s an effort to save the movie and them.”
READ MORE: Max Cancels Issa Rae’s ‘Rap Sh!t’
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