Amanda Seales and Issa Rae defended Seales’ “Insecure” character for wearing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority paraphernalia during the show’s fifth season premiere although the actress isn’t an actual member of the organization. The show’s final season started off with a debate when fans noticed Seales’ character, Tiffany DuBois, for wearing the sorority’s official salmon pink and apple green coloring.
The character, has been a member of AKA since the show’s first season along with Molly Carter (Yvonne Orji), wore a cardigan with the sorority’s letters on them during a scene in the Oct. 24 episode. Then AKAs across social media wasted no time in responding wondering why she was wearing their letters.
Seales clarified that while she’s not a member of the sorority, and is simply playing a role, regardless of what Google may tell you.
“I am not a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,” the actress explained in an Instagram video. “My school, SUNY Purchase, didn’t even have a chapter, and by the time I went to grad school, I was too involved in the Me Phi Me of it all…I would be honored to be a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, but I simply am not. When I am Tiffany, I do wear the letters with pride and regard and respect for those that did cross the burning sands.”
Rae responded to the backlash with dry humor when a fan attempted to call her out by writing on Twitter, “Oh sh-t, let me tell @HBO to delete the one of the upcoming episodes then, hold on.”
Author George M. Johnson, who’s a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity attempted to clarify the production process pointing out that there are clearances and approvals that have to happen behind the scenes to allow any copyrighted images or brands to be shown on TV or in movies. Adding that if there’s anyone to be mad a it’s “your organization heads.”
“As a Greek, any paraphernalia used on television shows is approved by our headquarters,” he tweeted. “Only folks to be mad at is your organization heads. It’s just like a Sprite can being in a tv show. It has to be licensed. It’s the same with Greek orgs letters and symbols. There is a whole process of approval you go through.”
According to the sorority’s website:
“The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority badge, the coat of arms (Sorority crest), the name Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (Inc.), the name Ivy Leaf, the sound Skee-Wee and the term Fashionetta are federally registered trademarks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The badge and coat of arms must not be reproduced or used under any conditions without the written permission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Reproduction without permission is a legal infringement, and the violator is subject to prosecution.”
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