Michael B. Jordan’s new rum line sparks controversy

Michael B. Jordan's new rum line, J'Ouvert, is sparking controversy, including allegations of cultural appropriation.

The Fantastic Four and Creed star, like other celebrities, has ventured into the booze business. However, there are objections to the name because J’ouvert is the name of a festival celebrating Caribbean culture held annually in Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada during Carnival — and celebrated internationally. 

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The packaging on the L.A.-born, New Jersey-raised Jordan's rum notes it's, "Derived from the Antellian Creole French term meaning 'daybreak,' J'OUVERT originated in the pre-dawn streets of Trinidad, as 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."

But the 2020 Sexiest Man Alive's connection to the culture is in question amid the name being trademarked by a third party, which notes: "The wording 'J'OUVERT' has no meaning in a foreign language."

There's also an issue about the attempt to trademark J'Ouvert for the rum. A Change.org petition with more than 8,500 signatures as of Tuesday afternoon calls to block the trademark, noting that the "word J'Ouvert is deeply rooted in Trinbagonian and Caribbean culture" and notes it's the name of "the annual indigenous festivities of T&T's beloved Carnival, which began in the mid-1800s when slaves were emancipated.

"It's time we love ourselves enough to stop the sale of our culture to foreign entities that do not respect or value our global contributions, and who do not support and uphold our countries in respectful, long-lasting, tangible and verifiable ways!" the petition states.

The petition calls for the filing to be dismissed — and Jordan "to do the right thing by calling this a loss."

The Minister of Trade and Industry Paula Gopee-Scoon told Trinidad and Tobago Newsday the issue is "of extreme concern."

The local Trinidad Express newspaper reports that Jordan's rum "angers Trinis."

On social media, people are also questioning his roots and the attempt to trademark the name shared by the festival:

There's speculation there could be a local co-owner or a partner with Trini roots making the collaboration make more sense — though issues about the trademark remain. Some are pointing to Kim Kardashian once trying to trademark "kimono" for her shapewear brand, which she later renamed "Skims."

Jordan, 34, has yet to comment. The brand's Instagram is set to "private" and the website says it's coming soon.

This follows Kendall Jenner facing backlash over her 818 tequila brand. It was alleged that her skin tone was darkened for the ad campaign. She was also dressed to look like a Mexican woman.

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