Update 06/23/2021 9:38am:

Michael B. Jordan responded to the backlash surrounding his recently released J'Ouvert rum, which led to accusations of cultural appropriation.

The "Black Panther" actor took to Instagram with a statement, which read, "I just wanna say on behalf of myself & my partners, our intention was never to offend or hurt a culture (we love & respect) & hoped to celebrate & shine a positive light on. Last few days has been a lot of listening. A lot of learning & engaging in countless community conversations…"

He continued, "We hear you. I hear you & want to be clear that we are in the process of renaming. We sincerely apologize & look forward to introducing a brand we can all be proud of." 

This comes after Nicki Minaj addressed the situation on Instagram, telling her fans, "I'm sure MBJ didn’t intentionally do anything he thought Caribbean ppl would find offensive, but now that you are aware, change the name & continue to flourish & prosper." 

Original 06/22/2021 11:51am:

Michael B. Jordan is facing controversy over the release of his new rum brand, J'Ouvert, which is derived from the Antillean Creole French term meaning "daybreak."

The full description on the rum box reads, "Derived from the Antellian Creole French term meaning 'daybreak,' J’OUVERT originated in the pre-dawn streets of Trinidad, as a celebration of emancipation combined with Carnival season to serve as the festival informal commencements. Crafted on those same islands, J’OUVERT Rum is a tribute to the party start."

Jordan was accused of cultural appropriation, with social media users questioning his Trinidadian roots. One Twitter user, who goes by @GabSoul_ added, "I’m so f**king tired of the blind appropriation. There’s really no respect for Caribbean culture on a mass scale. We’re just an aesthetic to people." 

Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Trade and Industry, Paula Gopee-Scoon, also raised concern over the brand's name causing trademark problems. Gopee-Scoon told Newsday that the issue was "of extreme concern." She added in a statement, "The first thing is to gather the information to see if it is in fact so. Then working together with the intellectual property office of the Ministry of the Attorney General, we'll do the necessary investigation and, as always, seek to support anything that is Trinidad but at the same time protect what is ours.

"This is of keen interest, not only to the Ministry of Trade and Industry but also to the intellectual property office of the Ministry of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. We all have an interest. Trinidad and Tobago is our interest."

Michael B. Jordan has yet to address the controversy. 

Source: Newsday