Keke Palmer Faces Backlash Over HBCU Series Featuring Korean-American Lead

Keke Palmer's new series, Southern Fried Rice, on her KeyTV network has sparked significant backlash for its portrayal of a Korean American woman, Koko, raised by Black Southern parents attending a fictional HBCU. Critics argue the show undermines the cultural significance of HBCUs by centering a non-Black protagonist and perpetuating stereotypes about Black women, with many social media users labeling the premise as tone-deaf and inappropriate given the historical context of HBCUs. Despite the controversy, Palmer and the show's writer Nakia Stephens, a Black woman, defended the series as an effort to create dialogue around representation and support Black creatives. Palmer emphasized the importance of providing jobs to people of color beyond talent roles and urged audiences to support emerging Black creators' growth. However, the show has divided viewers, with some appreciating its humor and heart while others question the creative choices and the series' focus on cultural and racial identity. The mixed reactions highlight the challenges in navigating storytelling about race, culture, and belonging in today's sociopolitical climate.