While Walmart, Nia Long, and Larenz Tate have yet to publicly address the backlash (and more than likely won’t), nearly a week after the commercial’s initial release, Long and Tate finally posted the commercial to their social media pages. This delayed response has further fueled the conversation about corporate responsibility and social justice. It should be noted that Long and Tate are not at fault, and neither are the Black people who were clearly the minds behind this commercial (you just know a Love Jones reunion came from the brain of a Black woman). Walmart used their talents to save face, and it’s unfortunate that what should have been a fun moment of nostalgia is being overshadowed by what looks like corporate damage control.
