"Real Housewives of Atlanta" and "Love and Hip Hop" executive producer Carlos King says in a very long open letter than women are crazy but entertaining, "in a good way," and says the shows he works on do not perpetuate stereotypes.
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
In the letter billed as "written exclusively for BET.com" but sent by a publicist to the AJC and no doubt other media outlets, King also says "Real Housewives of Atlanta," the hit reality show on Bravo, "single-handedly changed the game when it came to Black women on reality television. This show has definitely set a very lucrative trend in television, and as long as RHOA is the No. 1 show on Bravo and continues to break records, you will see more Black female ensemble shows being created."
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Some other highlights:
"I don't agree that 'Real Housewives of Atlanta,' 'Love & Hip Hop' or any show that predominantly stars Black women is perpetuating any negative stereotypes...When it comes to white reality stars, no one says, 'Look at Kyle Richards on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, she misrepresents us.' Or, 'Oh my gosh, look at Snooki on Jersey Shore, she makes Italians look bad.'"
He also notes the stellar ratings:
"At the end of the day, this is a very lucrative business and when you look at the ratings of these [reality] shows, you’ll see that they are a very in-demand television product. This is the reason that you’re seeing more African-American ensemble shows on television because cable networks have started to take notice and say, 'Wait a second, there’s a demographic out here that really wants to see content starring Black females.' Black people are really interested in seeing a reflection of themselves on television and not only that, white folks like to see us, too."
He loves telling women's stories:
"Being a Black gay man, I have my share of hardships and turmoil that I go through, but I like to look at the positives. The truth of the matter is that I’m able to really follow my passion and produce shows about women. I love telling a woman’s story. I want to do with reality television what Aaron Spelling did with dramatic series such as 'Dynasty,' '90210' and 'Melrose Place.' That’s my gift and being in the presence of so many women has definitely helped me to understand them more."
And on women being crazy:
"Women are crazy, but they are entertaining and crazy...in a good way. This is why we love watching them have debatable conversations on television. I remember talking to my 'Hollywood Divas' cast, and I told them that nothing excites me more than to see women debate. Let me be clear: there’s a distinct difference between debating and arguing. I don’t have to see women fighting or getting physical with one another. That does nothing for me personally or professionally. However, there’s something about myself and my audience that just loves to watch these fascinating women debate and have a heated discussion.
It is my sincere hope that these women will be recognized for their unprecedented achievements in television and not be held to a standard that the average person can’t live up to. Their reality is just that — their reality. They should be applauded for being open to sharing their lives with millions of people and not looked down upon as negative or stereotypical simply for being human."
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