A new project starring an all-Black lead cast is making headlines for reasons other than its storyline.
Earlier this month, Page Six reported that a makeup artist, who has now identified as bi-racial, was fired for allegedly using the N-word repeatedly on the set of a new series created, written, and executive produced by “Girls Trip” writer Tracy Oliver. The artist reportedly also repeated the word in front of one of the show’s lead actresses.
The media publication claims to know which actress the occasion occurred in front of along with the name of the makeup artist. However, due to the sensitivity of the matter, they would not release their names.
The incident unfolded when the makeup artist in question sang along to a rap song requested by the actress, which featured the expletive. She continued singing until it reached the offending section and was reportedly “fired on the spot.”
The matter went to the makeup artist’s union, Local 798, but they decided not to take disciplinary actions against her. Page Six said that unidentified sources told them that either the union made that call because they found zero evidence of wrongdoing, or could not establish exactly what took place because the actress and the makeup artist were the only witnesses. The organization has not addressed those claims either.
Since then, the incident has sparked an outcry as many have reportedly come to the makeup artist’s defense. An unidentified source told the outlet, “Others in the community are outrage because this woman did not deserve what she is getting right now.” They added, “She is a good person facing an untenable situation where she really did nothing wrong!”
The untitled half-hour Amazon comedy series, formerly known as “Harlem,” is being developed by Oliver and backed by Paper Kite Productions, founded by actress and comedienne Amy Poehler. It will star actresses Meagan Good, Grace Byers, Jerrie Johnson and Shoniqua Shandai.
The single-camera comedy is being described as the “Black ‘Sex and the City'” as it follows the lives of four Black women — friends from their college days at New York University — as they navigate sex, relationships and chasing their dreams. An official announcement on when the series is set to release has not yet been made public.
