In a recent revelation, it has come to light that Warner Bros Television Group discreetly terminated a multi-platform deal with Patrisse Cullors, the former leader of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Despite Cullors’ previous statements about developing dramas, comedies, documentary series, and animated programming for children, no shows were produced under the agreement.
According to a source familiar with the studio’s contract negotiations, Warner Bros signed an overall deal with BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors in 2020. However, this deal expired at the end of October 2022 and, unfortunately, did not yield any produced shows.
The multi-year agreement was intended to facilitate the development and production of original programming that would amplify black stories across various streaming, cable, and broadcast platforms. The deal encompassed a wide range of content, including animated and children’s programming, as well as scripted and unscripted series. This information was initially reported by Variety in October 2020.
Despite the initial promise and potential, the collaboration between Warner Bros Television Group and Patrisse Cullors ultimately concluded without any realized projects.
The agreement was originally established to leverage Cullors’ leadership experience within the movement, which originated in the courtyard of her Los Angeles home back in 2013, as stated by the studio at the time of the deal’s announcement. The specific value of the agreement remained undisclosed, as reported by Variety.
When approached for a comment, a spokeswoman for Warner Bros, now part of Warner Bros. Discovery, declined to provide any information on the matter. Similarly, Cullors did not respond to requests for comment.
Interestingly, the conclusion of Cullors’ contract in October 2022 starkly contrasts with an interview she granted to The Hollywood Reporter in January of the same year.
She said that she was working on documentaries on how the idea of “landback” — in which Native Americans have former tribal lands returned — could work as reparations. Another was on black social mobility in the US.
Additionally, Cullors had mentioned that she was involved in the development of a scripted project centered around marijuana, as well as other projects highlighting female black leaders and exploring the impact of living under a system that simultaneously renders them hyper-visible and hyper-invisible, as she described it.
It is worth noting that Cullors, aged 39, is an artist and activist who stepped down from her position within the Black Lives Matter organization in May 2021. This decision came shortly after The Post reported her acquisition of multiple properties through a real estate shopping spree totaling $3.2 million, spanning locations in California and Georgia.
Cullors maintained that none of the funds from the non-profit organization were utilized for her real estate purchases. She explained her decision to resign as a means to concentrate on a book and TV deal, emphasizing that she had laid the groundwork and established the necessary support and infrastructure for her departure. Cullors stated that her departure had been planned for some time and was unrelated to what she perceived as “right-wing attacks” aimed at undermining her character.
Public records reveal that a year after signing the deal with Warner Bros, Cullors acquired a spacious 2,500-square-foot residence in Los Angeles’ Topanga Canyon for $1.4 million in 2021. Reports indicate that she subsequently invested a significant amount of money to install a fence around the property. In recent months, Cullors has redirected her focus towards art projects, with her work being showcased in gallery exhibitions in Los Angeles.
Most recently, Cullors’ artwork was featured in a show held at a gallery in Los Angeles.
