NBCUniversal has removed four episodes of classic sitcom “30 Rock” from streaming services and syndication. The request for the removal of the episodes, all of which feature characters in blackface, comes from show co-creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock.
The episodes that were requested to be removed are 3×02: “Believe In The Stars,” 5×10: “Christmas Attack Zone,” 6×19: “Live from Studio 6H” and the east coast version of 5×04: “The Live Show”. These four episodes are in the process of being removed from NBCUniversal’s sales platform.
Fey has issued a statement saying: “As we strive to do the work and do better in regards to race in America, we believe that these episodes featuring actors in race-changing makeup are best taken out of circulation. I understand now that intent; is not a free pass for white people to use these images. I apologize for pain they have caused. Going forward, no comedy-loving kid needs to stumble on these tropes and be stung by their ugliness. I thank NBCUniversal for honoring this request.”
All episodes are expected to be removed from Hulu, Amazon Prime iTunes and Google Play by this week.
Source: Vulture
