John Boyega continues to stand up by stepping down as Brand Ambassador

Actor and activist John Boyega is stepping down from British Perfume and Candle Company, Jo Malone after they cut him from a promotional advertisement that he created. Jo Malone replaced the British actor with Liu Haoran for the Chinese market and eliminated all the Black people who appeared in the original video that Boyega created and directed.

*insert advertisement video

John Boyega said that the decision to substitute another actor for him without his consent or prior notice was wrong. The short film included his hometown, including my friends and featuring family that he wanted to showcase through this advertisement.

On September 14th, Boyega stated, “I have decided to step down as Jo Malone's global ambassador. When I joined the brand as their first male global ambassador last year, I created the short film we used to launch the campaign. It won the Fragrance Foundation Virtual awards 2020 for Best Media Campaign.”

“While many brands understandably use a variety of global and local ambassadors , dismissively trading out one’s culture this way is not something I can condone.”

“It’s back to back but I assure you this will be dealt with swiftly. I don’t have time for nonsense. We press on and strong. Stay blessed people.”

Jo Malone has since apologized exclusively through The Hollywood Reporter by stating, “John is a tremendous artist with great personal vision and direction. The concept for the film was based on John’s personal experiences and should not have been replicated.”

John Boyega has always stood for Black lives and will continue to pursue what is right no matter the consequences.

Gladys Knight “Verzuz” Patti Labelle

Good friends and legends, Gladys Knight and Patti Labelle, came together for a nostalgic celebration last night with Verzuz TV to showcase their timeless music. 

These two gifted divas brought back memories, discussing their careers, and shared love for music in between their favorite songs. Gladys spoke about the impact of the event, “People can hear us and talk about things that we feel in our hearts,” said Knight.

In the midst of some of the songs, Patti and Gladys were getting their whole life together on stage while grooving to their songs. These ladies brought back the grown people’s music for the older crowd and new generations to come. 

Patti Labelle dedicated “If Only You Knew” to Gladys for being a good friend for many years. 

They brought out the “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” singer and friend,  Mrs. Dionne Warwick, for the last round. Dionne sang “That’s What Friends Are For” and helped close out with the last song “Superwoman.” 

Gladys and Patti put on their best for this head to head battle. 

Gladys explained, “We wanted to give you a piece of our hearts and minds and to tell you about the stories they have been singing about forever and forever. Most of them were surrounded with love… and sometimes life.”

Gladys Knight and Patti Labelle’s main focus was more than just music, it was about “Love, life, and wonderful things.”