A New York Times columnist (probably) did a little trolling by calling Shonda Rhimes an “angry black woman” today, and she responded. Rhimes basically dragged the Times with sarcasm, and a mention of yoga classes.
The story, titled “Wrought In Their Creator’s Image,” is about Rhimes’ new show, How To Get Away with Murder. The writer calls the heavily anticipated project “yet another network series from her production company to showcase a powerful, intimidating black woman.”
Oscar Winner Viola Davis stars in How To Get Award With Murder, debuting after the Kerry Washington-led cast of Scandal on ABC’s next Thursday (Sept. 25) night.
Aside from Washington’s Olivia Pope, Rhimes has never been behind a show starring a Black leading actress. However, the article notes Dr. Miranda Bailey, a black character, from Grey’s Anatomy, as an example of Rhimes dipping her toe into the “angry black woman” thing.
The only problem here is that Rhimes isn’t actually the creator of How To Get Away with Murder, that honor goes to Peter Novak. From what we know, Novak is neither angry nor a black woman. Rhimes pointed this out on Twitter today. “ Confused why @nytimes critic doesn’t know identity of CREATOR of show she’s reviewing. @petenowa did u know u were ‘an angry black woman’?”
She continued, “Apparently we can be “angry black women” together, because I didn’t know I was one either! @petenowa #LearnSomethingNewEveryday,”
Rhimes even noted that her non-Black female characters got overlooked by the Times. “Final thing: (then I am gonna do some yoga): how come I am not ‘an angry black woman’ the many times Meredith (or Addison!) rants? @nytimes.”
That actually wasn’t her final tweet about the article. She noticed some inconsistencies, “Wait. I’m” angry” AND a ROMANCE WRITER?!! I’m going to need to put down the internet and go dance this one out. Because ish is getting real,” she wrote.
Washington got in on it too. She posted links to articles that debunk the “Angry Black Woman” label and signed the tweet, “Love K-Dub.”
—
Photo: WENN.com
