Alpha Kappa Alpha’s director is reportedly seeking legal action against HBO’s Insecure after the series season debut showed characters wearing clothes featuring the sorority’s logo and colors.
The fifth and final season premiere episode of the hit show sparked backlash from members of the AKA on Twitter, who were not pleased with the fictional portrayal of their sorority.
Actress Amanda Seales, who plays the character Tiffany DuBois in the show, was seen wearing AKA paraphernalia without clearing it with the organization to use their brand.
According to Black Enterprise, AKA Sorority Inc. Executive Director Cynthia D. Howell released a statement.
“We were made aware of the unauthorized use of our brand on the HBO show Insecure early yesterday morning (Monday, October 25, 2021) and are taking steps to protect our brand,” said Howell.
“Please allow the corporate office to handle this matter. We all have a duty to protect our brand. You can do your part by refraining from engaging with anyone involved with the show or with anyone, including other sorors, on social media about this matter. Thank you for your continued assistance and cooperation.”
It’s been understood that the show’s fictional characters Tiffany and Molly are both AKAs and has done good with just wearing the pink and green colors.
In the past, Molly has been seen drinking out of an AKA mug. But it didn’t get as much attention at Tiffany DuBois’s AKA sweater and jacket that included the organization’s official shield that only actual members are allowed to wear.
Seales responded to the backlash.
“I don’t know why people keep asking me if I’m a soror. I am not a soror. Tiffany is a soror. Tiffany is a character on a TV show. I didn’t write the character. I play the character. I’m an actress, and I’m playing a character on a TV show.”
She then added, “I think reality TV done really got folks f–ked-up… I’m just playing a character. I feel like some folks really forget like it’s a TV show.”
Many came to Seales defense, including actress and AKA member Yvette Nicole Brown, reiterating that she’s just doing her job.
To lighten the mood, the 40-year old actress posted a funny video blaming her character Tiffany for putting her in the hot seat.
‘Insecure’ creator and actress Issa Rae jokingly responded to a Twitter user who had an issue with them using the soro’s clothing.
“Oh s—, let me tell @HBO to delete the one of the upcoming episodes then, hold on.”
It doesn’t look like the organization is laughing because now they’re seeking legal action.
AKA was founded at Howard University in 1908 and it is the first-ever historically Black sorority. Vice President Kamala Harris, Wanda Sykes, Sunny Hostin and Star Jones are among its notable members.
