Source: Bennett Raglin/BET / Getty
After a weekend of having Black journalists pull CVS-length receipts on him and his management, agents, and publicists—Lenny Kravitz clarified his statements to Esquire magazine that seemed to imply that he was snubbed by Black media.
In the original comments, the rocker said, “To this day, I have not been invited to a BET thing or a Source Awards thing,” Kravitz adds, “And it’s like, here is a Black artist who has reintroduced many Black art forms, who has broken down barriers—just like those that came before me broke down. That is positive. And they don’t have anything to say about it?”
Oh Lenny kinda cleared black media with this quote pic.twitter.com/vODG4IPsQS
— Princess Kitana’s Stylist (@CokeNDGrenadine) December 1, 2023
The comments incensed Black journalists, including BET’s Entertainment Director Yesha Callahan, who noted that she had reached out to Kravitz’s team as recently as mid-October only to be ignored. Callahan’s post has since been deleted.
But, others co-signed the experience.
Years back Lenny Kravitz’s publicist told me he wasn’t doing interviews with any urban (Black) publications. I later found out his people never bothered to ask him. I wonder how many other Black magazines & organizations were rejected without his knowledge @LennyKravitz @esquire pic.twitter.com/LmuZcCYttP
— gonzomike (@gonzomike) December 1, 2023
According to theGrio, Kravitz sent a statement exclusively to them which clarifies his remarks, writing, in part, “The comment I made was not about ‘black media’ or the ‘black community.’” the 59-year-old rocker said. “I was specifically referring to black award shows in particular. My comment was meant to express a concern about ensuring that black artists are being recognized for their work in what is now being called “non-traditional” black music, which it is not.”
exclusively via @theGrio, lenny kravitz makes absolutely clear he has no beef with black media pic.twitter.com/sX4RVc3liV
— Miles Marshall Lewis (@MMLunlimited) December 4, 2023
He added, “Rock and roll is the music we were instrumental in creating and is a part of our history. We must retain our heritage and celebrate that together. BET and countless others have paved the way for this type of recognition. I hope that by sharing my concern a spotlight will be shone on this issue. Love and peace.“
BET has not specifically addressed the comments. However, Callahan shared that the company recently created a video package highlighting Black non-traditional artists.
But anyways. Here’s our series that highlights Black rock & alternative singers – along with country & punk. Like @BreezyxSupreme https://t.co/OHmPzJ2Ims
— Yesha (@YeshaCallahan) December 1, 2023
Social media users are split about the comments. While some believe that Kravitz and others have not gotten their “flowers” from Black media—insiders and others recognize the power dynamics at play including the fact that Black journalists are often snubbed on red carpets and their media requests are often rejected by the non-Black representatives of some of their faves.
If Halle Berry can make it a point to search out black media to give an interview on a red carpet, so can Lenny Kravitz and any other black artist with white publicists. https://t.co/b63GAI7VgN
— stop apologizing. change your behavior. (@bibliophiletrip) December 3, 2023
I love how Black media is letting Lenny Kravitz and his yt pr have it. Because we don’t put Black celebs with yt handlers on blast enough.
— Blocka Khan (@Starr_Rocque) December 2, 2023
Hm. I hear you but Black press goes a long way toward Black award recognition. That’s part of the game. And if your team consistently refuses Black media access— something you haven’t addressed here— then… https://t.co/FDIiGXCYjd
— Nichole UPDATES (@tnwhiskeywoman) December 4, 2023
One thing is for sure, if BET invites Kravitz to this year’s awards show… He better show up.
I like Lenny Kravitz -but we all know that if invited, he wouldn’t attend a BET Awards “thing”….btw I HOPE they invite him next year and his ass will now feel obligated to attend!!!o pic.twitter.com/kdjrauq8Tr
— Ms Ann (@MsAnn773) December 2, 2023
Kravitz’s 12th studio album, Blue Electric Light, will be released March 15, 2024.
