Da’Vinchi is addressing the backlash over his controversial comments about Americans, slavery, and work ethic, apologizing for his “clumsy” choice of words after sparking a heated diaspora debate earlier this month. “I should have definitely used different language,” admitted the actor.
During a Tuesday appearance on The Breakfast Club, the BMF star revisited his remarks from an October interview with Cam Newton, which drew widespread criticism after he characterized Americans as “incompetent” and suggested that younger generations lack the independence and work ethic of their predecessors.
Speaking with Charlamagne Tha God in particular, Da’Vinchi acknowledged that his language was inappropriate for such a sensitive discussion and clarified that he was not singling out Black Americans.
“I know my wording was very clumsy, so I shouldn’t have used harsh language like incompetent,” he said. “I should have definitely used different language.”
The actor, whose parents are Haitian, explained that his original comments were intended as a broader critique of American culture and the growing dependence on technology, rather than an indictment of Black Americans specifically.
“I think the language was too abrasive for such a nuanced conversation,” he admitted.
Da’Vinchi Addresses Backlash Over Cam Newton Interview
As previously reported, the controversy began after Da’Vinchi appeared on Cam Newton’s podcast and was asked about British and Caribbean actors frequently being cast in roles portraying Americans.
The actor suggested that differences in work ethic could explain the casting trend, arguing that American culture has fostered a generation of young people who struggle with independence and critical thinking.
“I do think that the work ethic of Americans is one that people in a higher position don’t feel they can trust them,” he said at the time.
He continued,
“I feel like my generation, our generation, what we’re seeing is that humans are becoming more incompetent.”
Da’Vinchi also contrasted his upbringing in a Haitian American household with what he described as a culture that allows young adults to remain dependent on others.
“But in America, no shade to you guys, but the way the culture moved the majority of its citizens, you’re just incompetent for a really long time,” he said. “I think this country promotes that.”
As you can imagine, his words prompted criticism from social media users who interpreted his comments as disparaging Black Americans. The discussion also expanded into a broader debate about the relationship between Black Americans and members of the African and Caribbean diasporas.
During his Breakfast Club appearance, Da’Vinchi said he initially underestimated the controversy because he rarely spends extended periods on social media, but after receiving numerous calls about the backlash, he revisited the interview and acknowledged that he understood why viewers were offended.
“Dang, that would hurt me, too,” he recalled thinking after watching clips of his remarks.
Da’Vinchi Clarifies Comments About Slavery And Black Resilience
The conversation also addressed criticism of Da’Vinchi’s remarks about slavery.
When Charlamagne asked whether he believed Black Americans were using slavery as an excuse for their present circumstances, Da’Vinchi emphatically rejected that interpretation.
“No, heck no!” he responded. “It’s not an excuse. It’s a reality. It’s why we’re here right now.”
Da’Vinchi went on to say that his comments were intended to emphasize perseverance rather than minimize systemic racism or the historical consequences of enslavement.
“I was speaking to the resilience that has always characterized Black people,” he explained.
Da’Vinchi Issues Apology For His ‘Clumsy Wording’
Elsewhere in the conversation, Charlamagne acknowledged that Da’Vinchi appeared sincere, noting that the controversy hadn’t cost him his role on Chicago Fire or his social media following. He then encouraged the actor to issue a formal apology.
“I apologize that my wording was harsh,” Da’Vinchi said. “My message that I was trying to convey got lost with my clumsy wording.”
“I shouldn’t have said this like that,” he added. “I see how they took that, I see it. So it was like, yeah, it was kind of sloppy.”
When Da’Vinchi continued,
“I believe in unity, I believe in love. I believe that all human beings are talented,” Charlamagne interrupted, warning him not to, “All lives matter this.”
“I’m not doing that,” Da’Vinchi responded. “Any group of human beings that are subjected to the technology and information that we have today, if we keep using it, we’re going to physically modify our brain to get better at using it,” he concluded, arguing that increased dependence on technology could weaken people’s ability to think critically for themselves.
What do YOU think about Da’Vinchi’s apology? Watch his appearance on The Breakfast Club below.
