Tardy took to Twitter to share the news with fans.
“Unfortunately I will not be joining Netflix’s Dear White People for its fourth and final season
due to my experience with Lionsgate and their practices of racial discrimination,” he tweeted.
Tardy went on to explain that he felt that that he should have had the opportunity to negotiate his contract similar to his white colleagues. However, he feels that the efforts to band together with other cast members to negotiate for a more competitive deal were thwarted by “side deals” and other tactics.
Unfortunately I will not be joining NETFLIX’s Dear White People for its fourth and final season
due to my experience with Lionsgate and their practices of racial discrimination.After being offered to return for several episodes my team was notified that our counter offer would
— Jeremy Tardy (@Jeremy_Tardy) September 11, 2020
“These companies have recently released statements and even donations in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. I am calling out their shameful practices of discrimination and racial inequality with regard to how they have historically undervalued and low balled people of color. Politically correct lip service and symbolic gestures do not absolve you of the daily responsibility of doing business in a fair and equitable manner,” he added.
In response to these claims, Lionsgate has stated that there was “was a purely financial negotiation regarding deal terms.”
“Lionsgate is committed to equal treatment for all talent regardless of race, gender, age or sexual orientation,” the company added.
Netflix is scheduled to bring back Justin Simien’s Dear White People for a fourth season in 2021.
