The Insecure discourse over using AKA regalia continues, with Amanda Seales commenting again on how fans seemed to turn on her.
According to CinemaBlend, Seales spoke about the controversy on the podcast Jemele Hill is Unbothered. She reiterated some of the posts she made during her initial Instagram response.
“The thing with the AKA stuff was wild because I do feel like there were folks using their love for the sorority as a mask to express their hatred for me,” she said. “And I was like, ‘This ain’t about a trademark.’ To some people, it was just about a trademark. To some people, they were like, ‘Hey, I’m not sure if this was approved.’ Fair. But to some people, their issue wasn’t a trademark. Their issue is why is Amanda Seales wearing the AKA logo? And Tiffany DuBois was wearing the AKA logo. I would never wear an AKA logo.”
"I understand after I had a particular experience as a youth and learned the hard way when I unwittingly had on a shirt that was owned by an AKA," she continued.
“It’s a long story I don’t think we have time to tell. Just honestly, from the amount of step shows I’ve hosted, the amount of HBCUs I’ve performed at, and my relation to African American culture as an academic, not just a person who lived it, I understand the sacredness of sororities and fraternities. And I have no desire to infringe upon that whatsoever,” she continued.
The controversy began during an Insecure episode in which Seales' character, who is canonically an AKA, wore AKA colors and a logo to a college reunion.
The issue has now escalated now that the sorority might be considering legal action.
As reported by Black Enterprise, AKA Director Cynthia D. Howell released a statement saying, “We were made aware of the unauthorized use of our brand on the HBO show Insecure early yesterday morning [Oct. 25] and are taking steps to protect our brand. Please allow the corporate office to handle this matter. We all have a duty to protect our brand. You can do your part by refraining from engaging with anyone involved with the show or with anyone, including other sorors, on social media about this matter. Thank you for your continued assistance and cooperation.”
