It’s been a couple-few weeks since Amanda Seales posted an Instagram video dropping dimes on the lack of support she receives from Black media and we’re still blaming the victim. It’s the [insert strong Black woman] celebrity version of “but what were you wearing?” the accusation that keeps many sexual assault victims silent.
“Likability plays a huge role in our career trajectory” was the focus of an Essence op-ed about the actress and comedian.
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Black Enterprise wrote that her post was “whining” and “complaining.”
TheGrio also chimed in with its own version of “she’s not a victim; she’s just loud and wrong.”
Even here at The Root we asked if Seales is the problem, citing her long-time divisive nature. (It should be noted that I, on a selection panel that included The Root’s editor in chief, other editors and a group of Howard University journalism students, chose Amanda Seales to be one of The Root 100 in 2023 for her witty, fearless and candid insights.)
Social media has, of course, spent the better part of the last weeks firmly coming down on the “it’s her; Seales is the issue” side of the discussion:
“We live in an era where folks absolutely don’t want to take personal responsibility for ANYTHING. There’s truth to the fact that if you are the common denominator in messed up situations maybe pause and ask ‘What is my role in this?’” started one Facebook comment.
On X (formerly Twitter), @Joshyoutrippin posted, “I hate when people like Amanda Seales, that live their lives as provocateurs rubbing people the wrong way, start acting surprised that people don’t rock with them. You’re annoying and no one wants to be around you. Don’t blame Black spaces for your bad personality.”
@feministajones shared her disdain for Seales on Threads in a series of posts that called the comedian “a nasty ass troll whose words have caused material harm and damage with nary an apology in sight.”
On Insta, one commenter summed up their feelings about Seales with a short and caustic, “No platform likes her…she is negative.”
But where was this energy when Katt Williams went on a nearly three-hour rant in an interview with Shannon Sharpe on the Club Shay Shay podcast two months ago? The appearance garnered record-breaking engagement and money for the podcast, and media outlets—from Forbes (“he offered essential lessons”) to Newsweek (“unfiltered approach to telling his story will only serve to endear him to a wider audience”)—praised Williams for telling the truth. The Root called his brand of honesty a “refreshing reset.” And online warriors everywhere sang his praises.
If I’m correct in my understanding, when Williams roasts folks, he’s honest and refreshing. When Seales provokes discourse on myriad topics, including colorism, navigating industry social circles, gender identity, racism, dating f-boys and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, she’s a “professional polarizer” and “unpalatable.” Got it.
I don’t know Seales personally but admire the way she provokes conversations that challenge societal norms, which is what comedians do, right? The criticism she is receiving now is reminiscent of the treatment faced by actress and comedian Mo’nique when she stood firm in telling her truth. In its reporting, The Refinery 29 suggested she faced consequences for not playing the game.
The far greater likelihood? We are uncomfortable when a strong Black woman voices her opinion. Be loud, be bold, we tell our girls in 2024. Don’t dim your light. Don’t ever change. But apparently it’s in bad form to be too loud, too bold or too bright.
As one IG poster, one of the few who came in support of Seales, commented: “The saddest part is if you were a man you being likeable wouldn’t even be a factor. The industry rewards opinionated, outspoken men — but punishes women who do the same.”
Funny (sarcasm intended) how that rings true.
Kendra Lee is a writer based in DC.
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