In the entertainment industry, certain powerful figures and organizations are often
‘accused of maintaining control through a secretive network of gatekeepers. These.
‘gatekeepers reportedly dictate who succeeds and who gets pushed aside, especially
if they don’t conform to their standards. Among those who have vocalized their
opposition to ths system is rapper and actor Ice Cube, who claims that Hollywood
is run by a sinister organization that exploits and suppresses those who refuse to
play by thei ules. is allegations extend beyond just the usual power struggles in
entertainment to a broader, more organized control over the industry’s key players,
including black artists and women.
Ice Cubes experience in Hollywood has been marked by resistance, especialy after
the release of hs “Contract with Black America,” a plan aimed at addressing racial
inequality in the US. Since then, he says, he has faced backlash from the
establishment, which he refers to as “the club of gatekeepers.” According to him,
this group is angered when people refuse to be part of their network, and they use
their influence to marginalize those who don’t conform. His refusal to compromise
with this system has led to notable exclusions from significant media platforms,
such as The View and even shows hosted by influential figures like Oprah Winfrey.
Ice Cube’s claims suggest that the entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood, is
controlled by a few powerful entities. He points to organizations such as BlackRock,
Vanguard, and State Street as having immense control, possibly more than
high-profile industry executives like Lucian Grainge or Lyor Cohen, His argument is
that these forces actively work to suppress voices like his, which challenge the
status quo. He believes that while individuals like Grainge or Cohen could be fired,
the real power es with these massive financial firms, whose influence permeates
beyond just entertainment,
Furthermore, Ice Cube’s vocal stance on the COVID-19 vaccine also made headlines.
His refusal to get vaccinated reportedly cost him a $9 millon role in a film. While
some interpreted his stance as being anti-vaccine, lce Cube clarified that he is not
against vaccines in general, but he was uncomfortable with the speed at which the
COVID-19 vaccine was developed. He felt the long-term effects of the vaccine had
not been studied thoroughly enough for him to feel comfortable taking it This
decision ed to significant backlash in Hollywood, with some insiders suggesting
that his refusal was merely an excuse for already being marginalized by certain
industry elites.
One of the most contentious aspects of Ice Cube’s narrative is his exclusion from
Oprah Winfrey’s platform. Despite his success, Ice Cube notes that he has been
consistently left out of opportunities to appear on her show, even when promoting
projects that would seemingly align with Oprah’s interests, He recounts specific
instances, such as the cast of his fim Barbershop being invited on The Oprah
Winfrey Show without him, and his controversial TV show Black White facing a
similar exclusion. According to Ice Cube, his independent thinking and refusal to
follow Hollywood’s prescribed political narratives have led to his marginalization.
Interestingly, Ice Cube isn’t the only one who has had issues with Oprah Actress
Monique has also publicly expressed grievances with Winfrey, accusing her of
playing a role in the exploitation and marginalization of black actors, particularly
black women. Monique shared a personal story about how Oprah reached out to
her regarding a show featuring Monique’s brother, who had molested her in the
past. Although Oprah intially gave Monique the impression that she would not
proceed with the show f Monique was uncomfortable, the talk show host ater
aired it with Monique’s family, including her estranged mother, who she had been
in a dificult place with. Monique’s anger stemmed from Oprah’s failure to
‘communicate her ful intentions and for allowing the show to proceed in a way that
Monique felt was exploitative,
The overarching theme that both Ice Cube and Monique highlight is the existence
of a powerful, exclusive group within the entertainment industry that protects ts
own interests at the expense of others. Ice Cube’s refusal to be part of this club”
has led to him being sidelined in numerous ways, and Monique’s experience with
‘Oprah suggests that even those who are seemingly champions for justice and
equality may have a darker side when it comes to maintaining their status and
influence.
Ice Cube’s response to this exclusion has been defiant. He plans to launch a
“Gatekeepers Podcast Tour” to get his message out directly to the people,
bypassing mainstream media outets that he believes have deliberately silenced
him. He is determined to speak out about what he sees as coruption in Hollywood
and the entertainment industry, regardless of the backlash. He also emphasizes the
importance of personal choice and the right to make individual decisions, whether
in the context of vaccines or career choices, free from extemal pressure and control.
Ultimately lce Cube’s story is one of resistance against a system he believes is
cornupt and exclusionary. He continues to advocate for his belies, whether through
his music. bis ventures lie the BIG3 basketball league, or his public appearances,
even fit means being marginalized by the very industry that once embraced him.
