BMF Actor Da’Vinchi Angers Black Americans Over “Lazy & Slavery” Comments

Da’Vinchi, the BMF actor, has found himself smack in the middle of an uncomfortable conversation about Black Americans, foreign actors and who Hollywood believes works harder. And I have a feeling this one is going to get hotter before it cools down.

The actor man recently sat down with Cam Newton on “Funky Friday,” where a conversation about British actors playing Black American characters wandered into some weird territory. The episode describes their exchange as a debate over British actors landing American roles, American work ethic and whether convenience has made people less capable. This is where it gets testy, y’all.

Da’Vinchi said Hollywood producers might see actors from overseas differently. What doth thou mean, Da’Vinchi?

“I do think some producers probably just like, ‘You know what? We want an overseas actor,’ ’cause they’re probably gonna be more focused.” OK.

He suggested overseas actors may be “less worried about being a celebrity or influencer and probably just locking in on the work.” Hmmmmmmmm….

Then Cam took the conversation somewhere that got bro in the conundrum he’s in now. He raised the perception that some Black people from the Caribbean, Africa and the United Kingdom believe they are superior to Black Americans.

Da’Vinchi replied, “I think that’s true.” OK….let’s take a moment.

Da’Vinchi did not say that he believes they are better. In fact, he immediately pushed against the notion, saying, “I mean… look, I don’t think it’s right.” So was Da’Vinchi misunderstood?

MAYBE. Take a look.

I think he said what he said, if. you look at what he literally said. I heard it. You heard it. We all heard it.

At the same time, Da’Vinchi PARTIALLY was talking about perceptions, work ethic, Hollywood and cultural differences within the Black diaspora. The comments are going crazy – radioactive.

Black American actors have increasingly questioned why culturally specific African American roles sometimes go to British, African or Caribbean entertainers. Earlier this year, Druski presented as a Black British actor sketch and the internets went crazy.

There is more: His former friend has stepped in on this. He’s holding nothing back and basically says his ex-bro has always been anti-Black American.

Da’Vinchi has previously spoken about people of African descent distancing themselves from African Americans, AND YET said Black Americans as extraordinarily influential. In an earlier interview, he discussed the trauma Black Americans experience and said, “we’re so dope.” He is a “we,” being born here.

Still, perception is a monster. I don’t think he’s helping things along. He recently made a post employing the great Black American 2Pac! That’s not the way to go.

Da’Vinchi may have been attempting to describe an uncomfortable reality rather than endorse it. But when you start talking about foreigners being more focused than Americans and Hollywood handing them Black American roles, somebody is going to hear a dog whistle.

Scholar Dr. Nola Haynes got into the mix as an academic as well as a former actor.

Maybe the real problem is bigger than Da’Vinchi. He ain’t popped since BMF was headed by a Black American named 50 Cent.

Maybe Hollywood benefits when Black folks debate, separate and we forget we’re a big ass powerful diaspora. The table is too small.

Now THAT is a conversation. Til then…have at it.