The seventh season of “The Real” daytime talk show made its debut on Monday, Sept 21, and former co-host Amanda Seales did not hold back when it came to her assessment. In a lengthy straight-to-the-point post on Instagram, the “Insecure” star accused the producers of the show of plagiarizing her “Smart, Black & Funny” brand for the show’s new segment, “Black Lives Matter University.”
For the inaugural segment, the panel, consisting of Loni Love, Adrienne Houghton, Jeannie Mai, and newcomer Garcelle Beauvais, interviewed Janaya Khan, the international ambassador for Black Lives Matter.
In the post, the actress shared a photo of “The Real’s” new BLM University logo and in a second slide, shared a photo of her logo for “SM&F.” “Once again, therealdaytime demonstrates its low class and even lower vibration,” the actress began her lengthy caption. “Just so we’re clear, this is an EGREGIOUS bite of my ‘Smart Funny & Black’ brand in an attempt to bring black awareness into the programming of The Real. They couldn’t find ANY OTHER WAY to do this without it being a bite of my creation.”
The 39-year-old Seales defended her decision to call out the producers on her social media platform instead of handling it privately. “Yes, I’m saying this on social media because the CONTINUED thievery of black people’s work (even when supported by other BIPOC) needs to be called the F out and also because this is the most energy I’ll give it before going on with my day and creating more dopeness that will inevitably be pilfered by the less talented/ethical/ancestrally connected individuals of our species. Happy Monday. VOTE!”
The “Bring the Funny” host concluded her post writing, “[Knowing networks, they did this bcuz they knew I’d post and it would boost ratings.]”
Although her comments section was limited, those who voiced their opinions echoed Seales’ sentiments. One user wrote, “Shame on them. This is tacky asf. Especially since folks had so much to say every time you shine light on the oppression of our people 😤.” While another person commented, “Do yal see the shape of the shield and the font? The graphic designer in me is cringing because I would get called out for plagiarism if this was college. Smh.”
Seales became the fifth co-host of “The Real” when she joined the cast in January 2020 during its sixth season, left shortly after only being on the show for six months. The star replaced Tamar Braxton, who left the show after two seasons.
No one affiliated with “The Real” has addressed Seales’ allegations.
