Jeremy Tardy Parts Ways with 'Dear White People,' Cites Racial Discrimination

"The fact that this has occurred behind the scenes of a show which purports to address systemic issues of racism and discrimination displays the very epitome of hypocrisy."

Dear White Peopleactor, Jeremy Tardy, has announced his departure from the hit Netflix series, citing racial discrimination on the part of the show's producer, Lionsgate.

In a lengthy statement posted to his social accounts, the actor detailed a contentious round of contract negotiations that ended in a failed collective bargaining attempt, and ultimately, his character, Rashid Bakr, being entirely written out of the show. Tardy explained how Lionsgate offered him a slot in the show's fourth and final season, but refused to consider his counteroffer. From there, Tardy and several members of the show's cast joined together to turn down their initial offers, hoping to negotiate as a unit. However, that effort fell apart when individuals from the group accepted side deals, undermining their intention of securing equitable wages for all cast members.