AceShowbiz - Issa Rae reflects on the changes in Hollywood a decade after her HBO series Insecure first aired, observing a regression in diversity and inclusion efforts within the industry.

Speaking in a recent panel discussion with The Wrap, Issa Rae, a three-time Golden Globe nominee, described Hollywood as being “in an identity crisis right now.” She highlighted a noticeable move toward prioritizing social media creators over meaningful storytellers, which has made it increasingly difficult for women of color to bring new projects to fruition.

Rae credited her initial creation, Awkward Black Girl, as a response to the significant lack of representation she witnessed when she started. She saw the web series as an opportunity to introduce an archetype that was largely absent in entertainment at the time.

Her comments come amid ongoing conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Hollywood, which she implied has become a contentious or “bad word” within the industry. Despite the progress made over the years, Issa Rae expressed concern about the current environment and its impact on creators from underrepresented backgrounds.

Recently, Issa Rae signed a multiyear first-look film and TV deal with Paramount, signaling continued faith in her creative vision despite the challenges she outlined.