American Gods actor Ricky Whittle and production company Fremantle respond to allegations involving the firing of actor Orlando Jones from season 3 of the series. Over the weekend, Jones revealed he’d been fired from American Gods season 3 on social media and included accusations that the firing was the result of his character, Anansi, sending the wrong message to blacks.
In American Gods, Anansi is an African god who occasionally gives in to passionate and angry monologues about the black experience. Jones was often praised for his portrayal of the role, which began in season 1 and was expanded in season 2. Jones even took over some writing duties during American Gods season 2. After Starz renewed American Gods for season 3, most expected Jones to return in the pivotal role. However, Jones recently said in a video message that he learned of his firing on Sept. 10 and chose to speak up publicly about how he felt it was racially motivated.
Fremantle, the production company behind the series, responded to Jones’ claims, denying the decision was racially motivated. A representative for the company gave the following statement to Deadline explaining why Jones would not appear in season 3:
American Gods star Ricky Whittle also responded to Jones’ departure from the series. He posted a tweet praising Jones’ work but did not comment on Jones’ accusations against Fremantle.
“The storylines of American Gods have continually shifted and evolved to reflect the complex mythology of the source material. Mr. Jones’ option was not picked up because Mr. Nancy, among other characters, is not featured in the portion of the book we are focusing on within Season 3.”
Whittle’s response is especially interesting, considering he had a bad experience of his own when he departed The 100 for his American Gods role. At one point, the actor spoke about how he felt that show bullied him to the point that he finally left in 2016. Of course, it’s likely he’s legally not allowed to comment on Jones’ allegations. However, Fremantle already has a reputation thanks to its firing of Gabrielle Union from America’s Got Talent, a move the actress believes was the result of her bringing concerns to the network about racial insensitivity and a toxic work environment.
Regardless of Fremantle’s statements, the damage to American Gods’ fanbase is possibly already done. Many fans are taking to social media to swear off season 3. It also doesn’t help that the series also told actor Mousa Kraish that his character, Jinn, would not return for season 3 either. Considering that Jinn was an ifrit from the Middle East in a gay relationship with a Muslim man, some fans are starting to see these decisions as a disturbing pattern happening to a show that once touted diversity as a strong suit.
Next: Good Omens Shows American Gods How To Adapt Neil Gaiman Right
Source: Deadline, Rickey Whittle/Twitter
