BALTIMORE (May 29, 2018)—The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the nation’s premier civil rights organization issued the following statement regarding ABC’s decision to cancel the Roseanne television show due to the star’s racist comment on Twitter.
“Roseanne Barr’s comments were appalling and reminiscent of a horrific time in our history when racism was not only acceptable but promoted by Hollywood. We applaud ABC for taking a stand against racism by canceling Roseanne today. We commend the network and its president Channing Dungey for placing the values of diversity, inclusion and respect for humanity above ratings,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson.
NAACP Hollywood Bureau Director Robin Harrison believes this move by ABC sends a strong message that’s stands in line with the Bureau’s continued work to expand diversity in front of the camera and behind the camera.
“This is a strong and decisive move by ABC to refuse to continue business as usual,” said Harrison. “It’s important that Hollywood understands the power of inclusion and continues to take a clear stand against racism and bias within the industry.”
