You know what they say — where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire, and Orlando Jones is the latest celebrity to ring the alarm against Fremantle Productions.
The controversial production company is at the center of drama once again after the 51-year-old actor claimed he was recently fired from American Gods (a Starz TV series backed by Fremantle), alleging his character got the axe for sending “the wrong message for black America.”
For our readers who may not know, Jones played a fiercely opinionated trickster god named Anansi AKA Mr. Nancy on the fantasy TV show inspired by Neil Gaiman books of the same name.
In two new videos posted to his Twitter account on Saturday morning, the thespian put the “very smart” and “white” powers that be at American Gods on blast for phasing him out of the upcoming season three episodes. In the first clip, he said:
“There will be no more Mr. Nancy. Don’t let these motherf***ers tell you they love Mr. Nancy. They don’t. I’m not going to name names but the new season 3 showrunner is Connecticut born and Yale-educated, so he’s very smart and he thinks that Mr. Nancy’s angry, get shit done is the wrong message for black America. That’s right. This white man sits in that decision-making chair and I’m sure he has many black BFFs who are his advisors and made it clear to him that if they did not get rid of that angry god Mr. Nancy he’d start a Denmark Vesey uprising in this country. I mean, what else could it be?”
As seen, (below):
Wow. That’s quite a statement!!!
Without directly naming him, Jones appeared to take a shot at season three showrunner Charles “Chic” Eglee, the man allegedly behind the networks’ decision to move forward without Mr. Nancy.
In addition to his duties on screen, OJ had also stepped up as a writer and producer during season two, so it’s understandable why this professional ousting stings on many different levels.
However, shortly after the clip started getting attention, a spokesperson for American Gods issued a statement refuting the star’s claims:
“The storylines of American Gods have continually shifted and evolved to reflect the complex mythology of the source material. Mr. Jones’ option was not picked up because Mr. Nancy, among other characters, is not featured in the portion of the book we are focusing on within season three. Several new characters, many of which have already been announced, will be introduced into Shadow Moon’s world that will further contribute to the show’s legacy as one of the most diverse series on television.”
Hmm. So, apparently the storyline simply changed and there’s nothing more to it?
Orlando Calls BS!
In a follow-up video message to fans, the former MAD TV comic continued his tirade and exposed the toxic culture behind the scenes at his now former workplace. Listen to his second rant, here:
Among others, the star made sure to tag fellow actress Gabrielle Union who’s recently had her fair share of issues with Fremantle.
As our readers will recall, the 47-year-old was reportedly fired from America’s Got Talent after reporting her concerns about “offensive” incidents that took place on set. It sounds like Jones sees a direct connection between their firings and judging by her reply, the Bring It On alum agrees!
In response to Jones’ message, she replied:
“Ohhhhhhhhhhh ??? let’s chat my friend. #StrongerTogether.”
After Union’s exit from AGT, NBC initially issued a statement which said:
“We remain committed to ensuring a respectful workplace for all employees and take very seriously any questions about workplace culture. We are working with Ms. Union through her representatives to hear more about her concerns, following which we will take whatever next steps may be appropriate.”
But if Jones claims are proven true, it sounds like there needs to be an even larger and more inclusive conversation about what’s really going on behind closed doors with the embattled production company.
Perezcious readers, how do YOU feel about these new claims against Fremantle? Sound OFF with your thoughts in the comments section, (below)!
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