NBC Universal media removed 30 Rock episodes featuring Black Rock at the request of Tina Fey
NBC Universal media removed 30 Rock episodes featuring Black Rock at the request of TBC Fay. Tina Fey called for the episode '30 Rock', in which Blackface was removed.Four episodes of the NBC comedy - three of which featured characters wearing blackface - have been pulled from the streaming platform, and the show's producer actor and producer have revealed that it has requested.
"30 Rock" is the latest television show to pick up episodes due to the use of blackface.Vulture reports that four episodes of "30 Rock" are being removed from streaming services and syndication that include Blackface. The episode has been unavailable on Hulu and Amazon Prime and can no longer be purchased on iTunes and Google Play. The series came at the request of series co-producers Tina Fey and NBCUniversal, who own the rights to the series.
In a statement to Variety, she said: "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.
"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 child needs to stumble upon these crops and sting with their ugliness. I thank NBCUniversal for honoring this request. I apologize for the pain they caused. Going forward, no comedy-loving child needs to stumble over these crops and sting with their ugliness. I thank NBCUniversal for honoring this request. "
IndieWire confirmed Vulture's report with NBCUniversal.
It's said the episodes in question - including 'Believe In The Stars' (season three, episode two), 'Christmas Attack Zone' (season five, episode 10) and 'Live From Studio 6H (season six, episode 19) - will be removed by the end of the week.
Also included in Tina's request was the East Coast version of 'The Live Show' from season five, episode four - although the West Coast version will remain live and neither featured characters in blackface.
As reported by Vulture', it's not known why this has been removed.
Tina's comment comes after 'The Tonight Show' host Jimmy Fallon apologized for wearing blackface when he dressed up as Chris Rock in 2000 during a 'Saturday Night Live' skit.
In the controversial skit, the star - who was joined by Darrell Hammond playing Regis Philbin - stepped out in blackface as he made some jokes in the style of the comedian.
Social media users had demanded an apology from the 'Tonight Show' star, and the clip - which doesn't appear on the 'SNL' website or YouTube channel - was circulated on Twitter with the hashtag "#JimmyFallonIsOverParty".
He tweeted: In 2000, while in SNL, I made a terrible decision to impersonate Chris Rock while at BlackRock. There is no excuse for that.I am very sorry for making this undeniably aggressive decision and thank you all for holding me accountable.
"30 Rock" is not the only blackface show to make news in recent weeks. Hollywood companies, in response to ongoing protests and conversations about the systemic racism and racist portrayal of black people in the entertainment media, have stepped up in recent weeks to de-platform some of their racially-insensitive content.
