Actor Michael B. Jordan apologized Tuesday for naming his new brand of rum after a Caribbean festival, sparking allegations of cultural appropriation against the "Creed" star.
His "J'Ouvert rum" shares the same name as a celebration that has 18th-century roots in Trinidad, when the island was controlled by French colonizers who kept slaves to toil in the sugar, coffee, and cotton industries.
The 34-year-old "Friday Night Lights" star said he understood the backlash and promised to change the rum's name.
"I just wanna say on behalf of myself & my partners, our intention was never to offend or hurt a culture (we love & respect) & hoped to celebrate & shine a positive light on," the actor wrote on Instagram Story late Tuesday night. "Last few days has been a lot of listening, A lot of learning & engaging in countless conversations."
He added: "We hear you. I hear you & want to be clear that we are in the process of renaming. We sincerely apologize & look forward to introducing a brand we can all be proud of."
The withering backlash appeared to be fueled by Nicki Minaj, the Trinidadian-born, New York-raised rapper and singer-songwriter.
About six hours before Jordan's message, Minaj — with 142 million Instagram followers — shared an extensive IG post by the Trinidadian artist Xaria Rae Roxburgh who explained the festival's sobering ties to slavery.
The "Starships" artist said she's sure Jordan "didn't intentionally do anything he thought" would offend those with Caribbean roots. But she still urged him, "now that you are aware," to change the name and "continue to flourish & prosper."
