When he’s not out there busting retainers and defending his height, Michael B. Jordan is plotting ways to make his future projects more inclusive. On Wednesday, the Black Panther star announced that he will formally be adopting inclusion riders for all forthcoming projects made by his production company, Outlier Society. The actor was referencing the contractual provision that allows stars to stipulate that their films have diverse teams in front of and behind the camera. Such riders entered the vernacular when Frances McDormand gave them a high-profile mention in her fiery best actress acceptance speech at Sunday night’s Oscar ceremony, prompting the industry to look inward at what it can really do to promote equality on set.
“In support of the women & men who are leading this fight, I will be adopting the Inclusion Rider for all projects produced by my company Outlier Society,” Jordan declared in an Instagram post on Wednesday. “I’ve been privileged to work with powerful woman & persons of color throughout my career & it’s Outlier’s mission to continue to create for talented individuals going forward. If you want to learn more about how to support the cause – link in bio. #OutlierSociety #AnnenbergInclusionInitiative.”
His second hashtag references Stacy Smith, a professor at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, who invented the rider alongside D.C.-based lawyer Kalpana Kotagal. “We’re hoping agencies can ask every actor, ‘Would you like an inclusion rider?’” Smith told Vanity Fair in an interview right after the ceremony. “If you get the Hollywood elite to adopt it in their contracts, it becomes baked in.”
Jordan likely won’t be the only star quickly adopting the rider. Meryl Streep told V.F. on Oscar night that she is excited about the change such clauses could bring about: “It’s something we didn't know we could demand,” she said. “It’s because girls ask for permission, but now, we are just bursting. It was a great night.”
Tessa Thompson, Jordan’s Creed co-star, also applauded the actor’s decision via Twitter. “This is how change happens,” she writes.
Meanwhile, more retainers all across the nation are busting in glee.
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