Shonda Rhimes News: ‘Scandal’ Show Creators Receives Backlash After Michael Brown Inspired Episode [VIDEO]
Scandal creator and show runner Shonda Rhimes has received a lot of backlash after last Thursday's Michael Brown inspired episode.
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The episode Lawn Chair was centered on a man named Clarence Parker (Courtney B. Vance) who failed to cooperate with police after his unarmed black teen, Brandon, was shot dead by white police officer Jeffrey Newton.
His story was very similar to that of Michael Brown Jr., an unarmed black teen who was shot to death by a white officer named Darren Wilson.
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While many viewers praised the cast and crew for the compelling message behind the new episode, some weren't too happy with Rhimes.
@shondarhimes as a police wife is find it amusing that one of the few times you've mentioned cops you make them dirty.
— Gantacular5 (@Gantacular5) March 7, 2015
@Gantacular5 @Girlmeets30 @shondarhimes agree that the only reason this ep exists is ferguson. Love the show but this ep was uncalled for — Kalynn Drake (@iamkaydrake) March 9, 2015
@guillermodiazyo @shondarhimes we all matter why promote hate.? #noneed no longer a fan. I don't like hate promoting
— Mari (@mlo22) March 7, 2015
The series creator took to Twitter to set the record straight and about the controversial episode and bid a farewell to the viewers who said they would no longer be watching.
"We captured reactions on the faces of the other officers in this scene. Because, as we all know, every cop is not Jeffrey Newton."
We captured reactions on the faces of other officers in this scene. Because, as we all know, every cop is not Jeffrey Newton. #Scandal — shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) March 6, 2015
@Gantacular5 Sweetie, I have 3 shows. 4 if we count past show PP. Cops have been heroic on them MANY times. Check yourself.
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) March 8, 2015
@mlo22 @guillermodiazyo This makes me sad. We are doing the EXACT opposite of promoting hate. Free your mind. We'll be here when you do. — shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) March 7, 2015
Scandal airs every Thursday night at 9 p.m. on ABC.
