Jamie Foxx is not here for the anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) narratives circulating in Hollywood.
Foxx — born Eric Marlon Bishop — is the producer of Apple TV+’s “Number One On the Call Sheet,” a documentary that explores Black achievement in the film industry and the challenges Black women face in finding success.
At the Los Angeles, CA, premiere on March 13, 2025, the Academy Award-winning actor emphasized the film’s importance, stating that it is more relevant now than ever.
“Look what’s going on out there. They trying to erase everything we do… They talking about the DEI, affirmative action, we don’t need Black history. Why you picking on our history?” Foxx told Extra. “So, we just do more history. The more you erase, the more we replace. So, that’s all it is. We ain’t gonna be shy about it. Leave us alone. Let us enjoy. Let us all be American.”
Since 2024, several high-profile companies have scaled back or eliminated their DEI programs, citing pressure from President Donald Trump and his administration. In recent weeks, multiple media companies have made similar retreats.
After taking office for a second term on Jan. 20, 2025, Trump issued several executive orders ending DEI in the federal government and its contracts.
In response, Walt Disney Co., for example, is replacing the “diversity and inclusion” performance standard previously used to determine executive compensation, The Los Angeles Times reported.
Paramount Global has announced that it will no longer use race, ethnicity, sex, or gender to set numerical goals, AFROTECH™ previously noted. The company has also removed policies that require collecting demographic data from U.S.-based job applications, except where it is legally required.
“We give so much to the culture, and look at what we give: We give them the swag, fashions, the bops, moves, everything — and we don’t charge!” Foxx said. “Well, give us back some of our stuff if it’s DEI!”
