Last Friday, Kristen Bell took to Instagram to share a series of photos from her family trip to Idaho, including one snap of an outdoor dinner party at Jimmy Kimmel’s lodge. Featuring celebrities like Jennifer Anniston, Jimmy Fallon, and John Mulaney, the picture looks like a who’s who in Hollywood. Except, with so many recognizable faces in attendance, there was one glaring omission. As @davidalangrier tweeted, “Where tha Black folks at?”
Where tha Black folks at?
— David Alan Grier AKA #LeonMusk (@davidalangrier) July 8, 2023
The following debate online included people both defending and criticizing the guest list. “This is the most Get Out thing I’ve ever seen,” commented sweetpeamariah94.
Kristen Bell thought she was sharing a wholesome photo of her dinner party, and it has blown up into a commentary about unconscious bias and diversity. I understand the critiques but recognize that people are tribal and socialize with those they have the most in common. https://t.co/6jzOhLJcd3
— Kia Richards (@KiaRichards_) July 11, 2023
The discussion centered around whether having a seat at the table meant more than just being a friend or a coworker. For many viewers, it most definitely did.
“So many decisions are made at little ‘get-togethers,’” Bethbonte commented, “from politics to entertainment to business. Who's at the table matters.”
“Lots of people get to work there,” the TikToker Bonnie Dilber said of each celebrity’s projects. “But who has a seat at the table?”
For many, this photo was a non-story, as Kristen Bell and Jimmy Kimmel, and other celebs at the table are typically considered among the "progressive celebrity camp," but the next time they decide to hold a dinner party and invite all of their closest friends and coworkers, maybe they should ask themselves why they didn't invite any of their black friends.
As @BrooklynBoyB put it, the “Photo needs a lil affirmative action.”
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