“30 Rock” episodes once supported by NBCUniversal executive producers Tina Fey and Robert Carlock have been pulled by streaming services for featuring blackface.
The comedian thanked NBCUniversal this week for prohibiting three episodes from being seen.
Viewers can no longer access episodes titled “Believe in the Stars,” “Christmas Attack Zone,” and a “Live Show” from its fifth season.
“As we strive to do the work and do better in regards to race in America, we believe that these episodes featuring actors in race-changing makeup are best taken out of circulation,” the liberal comedian wrote in a letter to various streaming platforms, Vulture reported Monday. “I understand now that ’intent’ is not a free pass for white people to use these images. I apologize for pain they have caused. Going forward, no comedy-loving kid needs to stumble on these tropes and be stung by their ugliness. I thank NBCUniversal for honoring this request.”
The “30 Rock” episodes in question will also be banned for purchase from iTunes and Google Play.
Ms. Fey’s request comes against a cultural backdrop in which companies are under increased scrutiny from Black Lives Matter activists.
“Gone with the Wind,” for example, was pulled from WarnerMedia’s HBO Max platform and will not be available until “racial insensitivity” is properly addressed.
Sandra Dewey, president of business affairs and production at HBO Max, recently told Variety that decision-makers “are being slow and careful and I think that’s the right response. It will be represented, but with context and framing.”
Apparently Tina Fey was OK with this episode of 30 Rock…which means Alec Baldwin was OK with it too. Oh yeah, NBC too. pic.twitter.com/WmdNj39OI9
— Covid 9mm, Chiraq (@UserName14948) June 23, 2020
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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