Michael B. Jordan Agrees to Rename His New J'Ouvert Rum After Accusations That the Name Appropriated Caribbean Culture
After recently launching his rum line, originally named J'Ouvert, Michael B. Jordan announced on his social media account Tuesday night that he would be finding a new name for his product.
MBJ Issued Apology
The product of the 34-year-old actor did not escape the eyes of critics over the weekend as he was accused of cultural appropriation for using the term in his rum line. Social media users questioned Jordan for using the term despite not being Caribbean or Trinbagonian.
According to Daily Mail, Michael B. Jordan shared on his social media account that on behalf of everyone involved in his business, they want to clarify that their intention was never to offend or hurt a culture they love and respect. Jordan also mentioned that he hopes to celebrate and shine a positive light on everyone.
Moreover, Jordan said that he experienced a lot of listening recently. He revealed that he learned and engaged in numerous community conversations for the next step in his business. The Black Panther star made it clear that the rum would no longer be named J'Ouvert.
In addition, Jordan stated that they had heard every suggestion and question that they've had. That's why they were already in the process of renaming the rum line. He also added that together with his partners, they sincerely apologize, and they were looking forward to introducing a brand that they can all be proud of, TooFab reported.
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Nicki Minaj's Response
Meanwhile, singer-songwriter Nicki Minaj joined the fray earlier on Tuesday. The 38-year-old Trinidadian-born rapper urged Jordan to change the offensive name of his rum line, but she, later on, wished Jordan well on his business, E Online reported.
Nick Minaj became one of the highest-profile people who criticized the alcohol label when she shared a post from another account describing the history of the J'Ouvert tradition. She also shared her roots in Trinidadian and Caribbean culture.
Minaj, whose original name was Onika Maraj-Petty, was born in Saint James in Trinidad and Tobago, but she moved to New York City only at the age of five.
In her post, Nicki Minaj singled out the actor specifically in her caption. She stated that she was sure that MBJ did not intentionally do it to offend the people of the Caribbean. But the Trinidadian rapper mentioned that since he was already aware, he can change the name and continue to flourish and prosper. She ended her message with an emoji for the flag of Trinidad and Tobago.
On the other hand, social media users were up in arms over the name J'Ouvert, which originated from 'jour ouvert,' which is a French word that means 'day break' or morning. Another meaning of it is it signals the start of Carnival, which started in the 1800s and is still practiced globally by people in and from the Caribbean region.
Social media critics took offense to Jordan's trademark filing and focused on the line that says, 'The wording 'J'OUVERT' has no meaning in a foreign language.'
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WATCH: Nicki Minaj "Defends" & Challenges Michael B Jordan Over J'ouvert Rum Name - Michael Issues Apology! -from BlackTeaBlog