Michael B Jordan Apologizes & Is Renaming Rum After Accusations of Cultural Appropriation

Michael B. Jordan Accused Of Cultural Appropriation Following The Announcement Of His Rum Brand, J’Ouvert

Update #3. Michael B Jordan has issued an apology on social media, amidst the fallout from his announcement of his line of rums called J’Ouvert. The Creed and Black Panther actor has agreed to change the brand name after criticism from Nicki Minaj and the government of Trinidad and Tobago. He has also apologized. See his message below.

Update #2: Nicki Minaj is chiming in on the situation involving Michael B. Jordan. She took to social media stating that the actor should change the name his new brand of rum. See her post below.

Original Story: Michael B. Jordan‘s new business venture landed him in some hot water.

Recently, the Without Remorse star announced his new brand of rum, named J’Ouvert. The product’s official description is as follows:

“Derived from the Antillean Creole French term meaning ‘daybreak,’ J’OUVERT originated in the pre-dawn streets of Trinidad as celebrations of emancipation combined with a Carnival season to serve as the festival’s informal commencement. Crafted on those same islands, J’OUVERT Rum is a tribute to the party start.”

For context, J’Ouvert is the name of a Caribbean Carnival festival with roots in Trinidad and Tobago. However, many feel as though Michael B. Jordan is attempting to capitalize on and essentially trademark the Trinidadian event, launching various accusations of cultural appropriation. Because Michael B. Jordan is is of African-American descent, many are questioning if he has the ethical right to profit off the name of a festival with strong roots in the Caribbean.

In response to the news, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Trade and Industry–Paula Gopee-Scoon–told Newsday:

“The first thing is to gather the information to see if it is in fact so. Then working together with the intellectual property office of the Ministry of the Attorney General, we’ll do the necessary investigation and, as always, seek to support anything that is Trinidad but at the same time protect what is ours. This is of keen interest, not only to the Ministry of Trade and Industry but also to the intellectual property office of the Ministry of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. We all have an interest. Trinidad and Tobago is our interest.”

Despite the concerns, Michael B. Jordan has not responded to the controversy. However, a couple of days ago, Lori Harvey congratulated him on his launch. She, too, has not issued a comment on the accusations of cultural appropriation.

It’s also worth noting that J’Ouvert Rum’s official Instagram page has been made private, though the reasons for this are speculative.

What do you think about the cultural appropriation accusations against Michael B. Jordan? Comment down below to let us know!