- Michael B. Jordan is being accused of cultural appropriation after the name of his rum brand is being called into question.
- A Change.org petition has over 10,000 signatures and calls for people to“love themselves and wants brands like Jordan’s, “J’OUVERT,” “to stop the sale of our culture to foreign entities that do not respect or value our global contributions, and who do not support and uphold our countries in respectful, long-lasting, tangible and verifiable ways!”
- The petition calls for Jordan to“do the right thing”and take a loss on the trademark. Nicki, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago, spoke out on the controversy writing on social media,“I’m sure MBJ didn’t intentionally do anything he thought Caribbean ppl would find offensive, but now that you are aware, change the name & continue to flourish & prosper.”
- J’OUVERT is the Creole French word that refers to the annual indigenous festivities from the 1800s in Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada during Carnival. The trademark application filed by MJB states“J’OUVERT has no meaning in a foreign language.”
- In an apology posted to his Instagram story, the producer and Black Panther actor responded to social media calls to change the name from J’Ouvert, which is the name of an annual celebration originating in Trinidad and Tobago that celebrates emancipation from slavery and the start of Carnival.
- “We hear you. I hear you & want to be clear that we are in the process of renaming. We sincerely apologize & look forward to introducing a brand we can all be proud of,” Jordan said in his post.
Photo: Getty Images for BET