Jeremy Tardy Parts Ways with 'Dear White People,' Cites Racial Discrimination
(Photo by Ben Gabbe/Getty Images for Paramount Network )
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.
"We were all aware of the notorious pay disparities between people of color and our white colleagues on Netflix and Lionsgate shows; so this made it blatantly obvious. However, our collective bargaining power was undermined with side deal offers and lack of transparency. These tactics led to some individuals taking deals before the collective group received a fair and
equitable negotiation process," Tardy writes in his statement. Tardy adds, "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."
According to Deadline, a Lionsgate representative dismissed the charge, claiming the dispute was "a purely financial negotiation regarding deal terms." They added that "Lionsgate is committed to equal treatment for all talent regardless of race, gender, age or sexual orientation. We are very proud of Dear White People and its place in the national conversation about racial equality and social justice and we look forward to beginning production on its 4th season."
You can read Jeremy Tardy's full account of the negotiations below.
Unfortunately I will not be joining NETFLIXs Dear White People for its fourth and final seasondue to my experience...
Posted by Jeremy Tardy onFriday, September 11, 2020
