In a recent interview, legendary actor Samuel L Jackson did not hold back in expressing

his disappointment with comedians Steve Harvey and Tiffany Haddish,

accusing them of perpetuating negative stereotypes

about black people in the entertainment industry.

Steve Harvey, known for his success as a comedian, actor, and TV host, recently shared insights into his career and experiences.

During the conversation, he discussed the opportunities that coming to Hollywood had provided him and his wife, Marjorie Harvey.

He emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for others and acknowledged the challenges he faced growing up in segregation.

However, Samuel L Jackson took issue with Harvey’s portrayal of black characters, particularly in collaboration with Tiffany Haddish.

Jackson criticized both comedians for contributing to the propagation of harmful stereotypes about black people.

He argued that some black artists, including Harvey and Haddish, misuse their platforms to promote behaviors that denigrate rather than uplift the community.

Samuel L Jackson and Steve Harvey pose as Harvey receives a star on the  Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA, USA on May 13, 2013.  Photo by Krista Kennell/ABACAPRESS.COM

This criticism is not new for Steve Harvey and Tiffany Haddish. Samuel L Jackson is not the only one who has voiced concerns about their portrayals of blackness.

Comedian Cat Williams and the late Bernie Mack had previously criticized both Harvey and Haddish for allegedly being sellouts and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Samuel L Jackson’s remarks gain significance given his advocacy for black empowerment and civil rights. The actor, who has been a prominent figure in the black rights movement, emphasized the importance of responsible representation in the media.

The conversation about negative stereotypes in Hollywood has gained momentum recently, with actress Taraji P. Henson sharing her experiences of mistreatment in the industry. This discussion has prompted several black artists to speak out about the responsibility they bear in shaping perceptions and challenging harmful narratives.

In the case of Steve Harvey and Tiffany Haddish, the criticism is not only about their portrayals but also extends to their alleged contributions to the emasculation of black men on screen. Cat Williams, in particular, accused Steve Harvey of supporting Hollywood’s efforts to depict black men as feminine, citing instances where comedians were made to wear dresses for comedic effect.

The controversy also delves into Tiffany Haddish’s behavior, as she faced backlash for her actions during the Video Music Awards. Fans criticized her for chasing after Shakira during her performance and accused her of reinforcing stereotypes about black women.

Moreover, Tiffany Haddish found herself embroiled in a scandal in 2022 when she and fellow comedian Aries Spears were sued for allegedly forcing children to perform suggestive acts in a comedy skit. The lawsuit claimed that Haddish convinced the kids and their mother that it was a harmless project, leading to trauma and trust issues.

Despite these controversies, both Steve Harvey and Tiffany Haddish continue to be successful in the entertainment industry. Samuel L Jackson’s criticism, however, raises important questions about the responsibility of black artists in shaping positive narratives and challenging harmful stereotypes.

As discussions around racism, diversity, and representation in Hollywood continue to evolve, it remains to be seen how the industry and audiences will respond to the calls for more responsible portrayals of black characters.