gabrielle-union

Update:  Heineken has removed an ad which drew criticism from Chance the Rapper for its seemingly racist undertones. The beer distribution company admitted to "missing the mark" according to a statement obtained by The Guardian. Original story: Unfortunately, there's no shortage of tone-deaf advertisements or brand campaigns. The influx of racist or otherwise insensitive ads makes one wonder: was there no black employee in the room? Or, if there were black employees, why didn't anyone listen to them?Heineken stepped up to the offensive ad plate recently with a commercial promoting their light beer. The way the company chose to play on the word "light" is leaving some with the side-eye.Actress Gabrielle Union retweeted a clip of the ad on Twitter on Monday morning:Come on man... 🤨😑😒😐🤔 https://t.co/fQtEe1Dgjy— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) March 26, 2018"Come on man..." she wrote, accompanied by an array of suspicion-themed emojis. Twitter user @LeftSentThis tweeted a summary of the clip in the original tweet, explaining why something didn't curl all the way over about the ad. "Watch this Heineken commercial where a fair-skinned bartender slides a beer past 3 dark-skinned Black folks (2 women 1 man) to a racially ambiguous fair-skinned woman, and when the drink reaches its desired destination, the words 'sometimes lighter is better' pops up on the screen," he tweeted. Union wasn't the only part of Black Twitter that peeped the jig. Some accused the major beer brand of racist/colorist subliminal messaging: This ad is just as disgusting as @Heineken beer.— Whynot (@PoetryDefined) March 26, 2018Lighter is better to them, we as blacks we are very proud of being black we wont be intimidated by these ad— Thando Gawula (@gawula_thando) March 26, 2018Wtfffffff.... no more @Heineken for me!!— Donna Stazzone (@Stazzone) March 26, 2018Damn. That's not even subliminal. That's overt.— Terrance Hamilton (@ilanik369) March 26, 2018@heineken who? #heinekenisoverparty pic.twitter.com/TT6yZF8cPO— Blank (@onejadedmf) March 26, 2018One user referenced Dove's racially insensitive mishap from last year:Someone at Heineken should Google Dove.— Bashon Mann (@bonsaidream) March 26, 2018 Oh, and Chance had something to say, arguing that not only was the ad racist, but purposely racist:I think some companies are purposely putting out noticably racist ads so they can get more views. And that shit racist/bogus so I guess I shouldn’t help by posting about it. But 😂 I gotta just say tho. The “sometimes lighter is better” Hienekin commercial is terribly racist omg— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) March 26, 2018I found that joint 😂😂https://t.co/r4cgSLE8Uz— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) March 26, 2018Im not saying boucott them or go off im just noticing how often it happens and I think they baiting consumers and tweeters and freelancers and shit. Like I didnt wanna tweet about it so bad 😂😂 but its like how can u not— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) March 26, 2018Despite the outrage, there were some folks who thought people might be taking it too far:I don’t see a problem with this. People are reaching now. It’s a LIGHTER version of their regular beer.— Decourcy Williams (@courcy1973) March 26, 2018Hear me out, the beer is Heineken Light Beer, and bartender is rescuing her from drinking a glass of wine, which has more cals than the 🍺, what y'all think?— Sir Dee (@SirDee69) March 26, 2018For its part, Heineken said it didn't mean to be racist."For decades, Heineken has developed diverse marketing that shows there’s more that unites us than divides us … While we feel the ad is referencing our Heineken Light beer — we missed the mark, are taking the feedback to heart and will use this to influence future campaigns," Heineken told Newsweek in an official...

We've touched quite a bit on the pay gap for black women, and also how white women can sometimes dominate the feminist conversation in mainstream circles. In promotion for her new book, We're Going To Need More Wine, Gabrielle Union sat down with Lena Dunham at Lenny Letter to get real about anxiety, rape trauma and even intersectionality within the feminist community. The latter of those has sparked considerable interest given the criticism Dunham has received herself with respect to race.  "I felt like if I can talk about my p*ssy with you, I can talk about race," Union quipped.Dunham mentioned that the two had talked before about race, and Union expressed her frustration with those conversations. She wasn't upset at Dunham, however, but at the media, which she felt pitted the two of them against each other instead of understanding that "it was possible for two women to have a conversation about the complexity of race."Union and Dunham also touched on the fight toward pay equality, with Union bringing up the fact that while white women are fighting against white men for their rights, women of color are faced with fighting against both. "I wish I was in a place of a Jennifer Lawrence, where she's talking about pay inequity with her white male peers," said Union. "It's like, 'Hey, Jennifer, pass the mic back, 'cause the women of color behind you are making way less than you, who have ten, twenty, thirty years of a body of work, and we're making pennies on the dollar of what you're making.'"Union also admitted that she didn't always feel "worthy" of fighting. "I never had enough self-worth to feel like I was worthy of the fight, even when I knew it was wrong. Even when I felt such rage and resentment going to work, knowing that I was doing more work, and having more popularity, " she said. "It's Hollywood. For some people, they pay you based on popularity, or how big your last project was. But when it comes to people of color, and specifically women of color, it doesn't matter."It took some time, but Union finally got to the point where she could be like "f*ck it." "I am worth this. This is what you agreed to pay me. This is what I bring to the table. If I'm going to be a part of this, I need equity in the company, or I need creative control," she...

Gabrielle Union has been showing a beautiful display of strength in vulnerability, having recently opened up about her painful infertility issues. The actress and now author of We're Going To Need More Wine, also stepped up to champion those involved in the #MeToo movement and reiterated her own rape survivor story. "For 20 years now, I've been trying to tell my story as honestly as possible and basically with the goal of never having to hear, 'Me too' ever again," Union said on Good Morning America, per ABC News. "And I talk about that in my book so it was so wild the other night to see #MeToo trending."Union has previously spoken about the time she was raped at gunpoint when she was 19 years old. "I saw #MeToo and my arm went numb," said Union. "I thought it was all about me and when I realized literally hundreds of thousands of people, men and women, [were] talking about being a part of this unfortunate club...it just rips your heart out."Union stressed that her book is an effort to show others that they're not alone. "I will continue to keep talking about it, I will continue to try to keep educating," Union noted. "You see so much now with victim blaming and victim shaming and really trying to put the onus on the victim and trying to say that there's some right way to deal with trauma. And I just have to keep speaking out to dispel as many misconceptions as possible about sexual violence."Additionally, Union appeared on The View to discuss the harsh reality in raising black sons in today's society with her husband, Dwyane Wade. Dubbed the "black truth bomb," Union instilled lessons in her stepsons while they were living in Chicago. "Their very presence to a lot of our neighbors felt threatening. That's all you have to say to get away with killing black people," she noted."Your very blackness, from birth, has been demonized and weaponized and is considered inherently threatening and less than," she continued.Overall, given all of the traumas that victims have to endure whether it's based on their race, sexuality or both, Union wants to embrace the idea of self-worth and she's started with herself. "You were fly, dope and amazing from birth ... you were worthwhile and valid. And I'm sorry you had to wait so long to learn that for yourself," she...

BET's Being Mary Jane has become a hit for the network. Fans have watched the star of the show, Gabrielle Union, share quick snaps of her behind-the-scenes via social media. What fans didn't see coming was the announcement that Union was filing suit against the network. In a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Union describes how she believes the network is trying to squeeze more episodes out of her contract. According to her complaint, BET promised that it would never shoot more than 13 episodes per season. However, Union says the network is now attempting to shoot two 10-episode seasons back-to-back (combining seasons four and five into a single season), which "fraudulently extends her contract." Martin Singer, Union's attorney, spoke out about the actions of BET to further explain his client's allegations against the network. According to Singer, by BET combining seasons four and five, they are trying to avoid paying Union's contractual raise and attempting to keep her with the show for another year. Her contract states that Union is set to receive $150,000 per episode for season four and $165,000 per episode for season five. Update: BET has responded. In statement, the network says "While we hold Gabrielle Union in the highest esteem, we feel strongly that we are contractually well within our rights and are committed to reaching a swift and positive resolution in this matter." Stay connected to all things Black Twitter, news and the best content on the internet by signing up for Blavity's...

Just like the bold manpower behind the Civil Rights Movement, Nat Turner's slave revolt would not have been possible without the help of women. As the history books narrate Turner's deadly rebellion of 1831, he accumulated a mass following of nearly 50 slaves to enact his killing spree of whites throughout Virgina. The women involved in the uprising and those closest to Turner are very rarely mentioned in this monumental moment in American history. "What made Nat Turner who he was as a man were these women who supported him, who surrounded him," said The Birth of a Nation actress, Penelope Ann Miller. "They were strong and they were independent in spite of their circumstances." Fox Searchlight released a nearly four-minute featurette titled, "Women of Rebellion" ahead of next week's theatrical release of, The Birth of a Nation. Cast members like Aja Naomi King, Aunjanue Ellis, and Gabrielle Union open up about the feminine bond that ultimately shaped Turner who became a notable preacher. "It spoke to me...like no other script in my career has ever spoken to me. I had to do it," Union said. As the exclusive clips show tortuous acts by slave owners, Turner's character is often seen grappling with the harsh realities that are happening right before his eyes. As a man, he appears defenseless against the forces that brutalize enslaved women. Union continued, "These scenes really show how voiceless and powerless black women were and are over our bodies in our narratives." Each woman has an untold story and the stars of the film say they're honored to portray these unsung figures. Ellis, who plays Turner's mother said, "There's no greater joy than being able to tell stories of women who are a part of my culture, whose voices have been taken away from them and given the responsibility to give that voice back to them in some sort of way." Check out more of the interviews in the video above. The Birth of a Nation opens up in theaters, October 7th. Loving Blavity's articles? Sign up for our daily...

When summer's out, it's definitely time to play! That's exactly what NBA BFFs Lebron James, Chris Paul and Dwayne Wade are using this extra time to do. They're spending their much deserved vacation traveling off the coast of Mallorca, Spain with their beautiful wives, and sharing some tidbits of turn-up and black love all over Snapchat. As the vacation began, preparations were made to ensure that it would be one that no one would be able to forget. These days, no function is complete without a custom Snapchat geofilter, and James used a viral photo from his crew's turn-up last year as the inspiration. The couples, Lebron James and Savannah Brinson, Chris Paul and Jada Crawley and Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union, soon got settled and wasted no time getting into the water and inviting us in on the fun via social media. Wade's snap story & geo filter😂 pic.twitter.com/hcuLqxtWMR — OTN (@OnlyTheNBA) June 29, 2016 Then the drinks started flowing... Dwyane Wade likes to have a few drinks with his friends, just like us! pic.twitter.com/3dSRuHr6py — Alysha Tsuji (@AlyshaTsuji) June 29, 2016 UPDATE: They're playing Heads Up. No banana boat ... yet. pic.twitter.com/4B2FMHCWsP — Alysha Tsuji (@AlyshaTsuji) June 28, 2016 An informal dinner turned into a minor version of Trap Karaoke as the couples belted out hip-hop and R&B classics around the table. Gabrielle Union takes us through dinner with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, & CP3. #AndTheirWives #Cavs #Heat #Clippers pic.twitter.com/2tvOK10vsp — Cavs Nation (@CavsNationNet) June 30, 2016 What happened next proved that these celebs party just like we do on vacation. LeBron put on his own show, no one could resist a good line dance and black love was flourishing all over the place. LeBron James, Chris Paul, & Dwyane Wade enjoying their time on a boat. #BrothersForLife pic.twitter.com/kFokuD9RbW — Cavs Nation (@CavsNationNet) June 30, 2016 No, really. The love was definitely on another level. Here's how Dwyane Wade's snapchat story ended last night. Never give up your dreams, kids. https://t.co/ELQr3peEE9 — Rob Perez (@World_Wide_Wob) June 30, 2016 Gabrielle Union showed us once again why everyone wants to be her best friend when she proved she could hang with the boys. Gabrielle Union singing Fetti Wap with Dwyane Wade and LeBron James on vacay. #cavs #heat #teammates? pic.twitter.com/j8OHoCyxJo — Cavs Nation (@CavsNationNet) June 30, 2016 Then gave us this impression of Desiigner that was so on point, you couldn't help but laugh. Gabby killed the 🐼 impression at the end tho pic.twitter.com/uXibKweAqg — Rob Perez (@World_Wide_Wob) June 30, 2016 This is definitely what squad goals look like. As the summer vacay continues on, stay on top of all the shenanigans by adding Lebron (kingjames), Gabrielle (GabUnionWade), Dwayne (mrdwyanewade), and Paul (cpiii) on Snapchat. You may find a little inspiration for your next summer getaway. Where do you want to travel to on your next summer adventure? Share your destination picks in the comments. Loving Blavity’s content? Sign up for our daily...

NBA player Dwyane Wade graced the cover of ESPN Magazine's July edition...and OMG. This photographer made sure to show ALL the right angles. DWade overcame his fear of posing nude in the 2016 #BodyIssue. Check out his photos here: https://t.co/ONkQO8OJpZ pic.twitter.com/BAUbQquOox — ESPN (@espn) June 21, 2016 In an interview, the 3-time NBA champion discusses is insecurities with his body, saying he's always had a fear of being naked in front of others and being judged. "Someone may look at me and think, 'Why would you have insecurity?' Well, this is real life and I'm human, and these are the things that I deal with that many others might deal with," he said. Wade explained for the longest time he wouldn't even take his shirt off, saying, "I never even wanted to take my shirt off when we were at the swimming pool or outside during water fights. The only people who went into the pool with their shirts on were the kids who were overweight, and me." He talks about how he got over his fears and embraced his true self, and also highlighted the importance of healthy eating and how his body had changed over the past few years. Wade was asked to participate in the ESPN body issue seven years ago but declined. Thank goodness he changed his mind this round...because OH MY GOD. Of course, the entire Internet is obsessed with these pictures Dwayne Wade on that ESPN mag #BodyIssue . I wasn't ready! pic.twitter.com/Ch3idccg0P — coconut oil mami (@hi_sihle) June 21, 2016 Dwayne Wade's body, ma gahd! pic.twitter.com/h8QAy45xsG — Gugulethu Mhlungu (@GugsM) June 21, 2016 @1942bs @DwyaneWade I would him to be my man but I love Gabrielle Union too much lmao — Dex. (@damourhaine) June 21, 2016 Gabrielle Union-Wade is letting the world know that her thirst for her husband is so real. Why dontcha circle back to the house... meet ya in 10 😍😍😍 https://t.co/G998hi6D8O — Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) June 21, 2016 Watch his interview behind-the-scenes of the shoot below: Never miss a headline! Sign up for our daily...

The official trailer for Naet Parker's The Birth of a Nation was just released — and it's giving us feels. After slaying at the Sundance Film Festival in January, Parker bypassed Netflix to sell the film to Fox Searchlight for a whopping $17.5 million. The film follows the historic slave rebellion lead by preacher Nat Turner in 1831. The cast includes Gabrielle Union, Armie Hammer, Jackie Earle Haley, Aja Naomi King and Mark Boone Jr.  This trailer includes music from Andra Day, featuring her song "Rise Up." Needless to say, we will be running to theaters when the film is released on October 7th.   Never miss a headline! Sign up for our daily...

With powerhouse duo Mara Brock and Salim Akil moving to Warner Brothers, another group is coming in to take over Being Mary Jane.  BET's Being Mary Jane will now be executive produced by Will Packer and Erica Shelton Kodish. Packer and Kodish both come to BET with strong resumes. Packer's resume includes Ride Along, Think Like a Man as well the History Channel's upcoming reboot of Roots and the new ABC comedy Uncle Buck, coming this summer. Erica Shelton Kodish, who will also assume the role of showrunner, just ended at The Good Wife.  "Will’s a master producer and storyteller and Erica is a dynamic writer whose experience in developing complex, multi-dimensional women makes her the ideal scribe to continue Mary Jane’s journey," said Stephen Hill, BET's president of programming. Kodish is thrilled about the opportunity, saying, "I’m honored to have an opportunity to partner with Will Packer, Gabrielle Union, and BET to create stories forBeing Mary Jane. Mara Brock Akil has created a show that has a unique ability to address issues relevant to black women, and I’m thrilled to be in a position to tell those stories.” The premiere date of Season 4 of Being Mary Jane has not yet been announced. Let's see where Being Mary Jane takes us next! What do you want to see in the show's fourth season? Tell us in the comments!  READ NEXT: Black women and the media: Why we can have diverse stories,...

On Friday morning, Fox Searchlight Films debuted the first trailer for the Sundance Film Festival hit, The Birth of a Nation. Although the film borrows it's name from D.W. Griffith's infamous 1915 film The Birth of a Nation, it tells a different story. The film chronicles Nat Turner's 1831 slave-uprising and stars triple-threat writer, director and producer Nate Parker. Aja Naomi King (Michaela Prat, How to Get Away with Murder) and Gabrielle Union also star in the film. As you can imagine, the trailer is powerful, and for some it may just bring you to tears. Don't hit play if you're not ready to be moved. What did you think of the trailer? Let us know in the comments below.  READ NEXT: Wizards fire head coach Randy Wittman after missing...