CEO EbonyLife Media, Mo Abudu, has spoken against black tokenism in western films and the sacrifice of substance over shock value in storytelling across board.

Abudu revealed this in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter (THR) on October 22, 2024. The interview came after she was listed among THR 2024 Most Powerful Women In International TV.

According to Abudu, the practice of sensational content, which sacrifices substance over shock factor, and the tokenism, which sees black shows with slightly similar content struggle for a single opportunity must end.

“We need more depth, storytelling that connects emotionally, and narratives that resonate beyond the moment. It seems like black shows and features that may have slightly similar storylines only get one chance, and then that’s it for the next five years. This same logic never applies to ‘white’ shows.”

While women still struggle to prove their competency in spaces such as the media and entertainment industry, Abudu believes one should prioritize focus and letting the work speak for itself.

To ensure equality and diversity in the entertainment industry, she said, “there needs to be a continued focus on creating opportunities for underrepresented voices, particularly women and people of colour. This means not just hiring more diverse talent but also ensuring they have the resources and support to succeed at every level, from entry to executive roles.”

[Leadership]