Kevin Hart, Shonda Rhimes speak out about 'racist' Sony emails

On Thursday, Buzzfeed posted a story revealing the contents of a leaked email conversation between Sony Pictures co-chair Amy Pascal and producer Scott Rudin. In the emails, the two joked about President Barack Obama’s favorite movies and how they would star African-Americans—such as Kevin Hart—or likely include The Butler.

Shonda Rhimes tweeted her thoughts on the remarks.

Al Sharpton also joined the conversation; he told Variety, “These emails nominate Amy Pascal to be considered by some of us in the same light that we concluded and moved on the ownership of Donald Sterling of the L.A. Clippers.” He then added, “The statements clearly show how comfortable major studio powers are with racial language and marginalization. Her apology is not enough; there must be moves by her studio and others to respect the African-American community and reflect that respect in their hiring and business practices.”

Both Pascal and Rudin have issued apologies regarding the emails, but for Kevin Hart, his focus remains on an email sent to Sony from Screen Gems president Clint Culpepper. Culpepper reportedly called Hart a “whore” for wanting additional compensation to tweet to support one of his films.

Hart posted his response on Instagram: