BET Attempts to Defend Its Controversial New Series with the
Television Critics Assn Press
July 25, 2007 - BET's turn at the Television Critics Association Press Tour in Beverly Hills began with a gospel choir greeting journalists to a traditional soul food lunch of catfish, mac & cheese, a barbeque chicken sandwich and iced tea.
After the fanfare, the network's entertainment head Reginald Hudlin gave an overview of BET's new offerings ("BUFU," "Hip Hop Vs. America," "S.O.B.," an "American Gangster" episode on Frank Lucas and "Sunday Best").
He mentioned every new show except for the one that journalists were anxious to talk about: "Hot Ghetto Mess."
Based on a website of the same name, the show features pictures and home video footage of African Americans depicted with hairstyles, attire, bling and behavior considered to be strictly of the inner city. Host Charlie Murphy provides commentary after each clip, according to the network.
Without naming the program, Hudlin suggested we save questions for "the show you all want to talk about" for after the session, which was dedicated to promoting its new animated sketch comedy series "BUFU" from Orlando Jones and Ali Leroi; and its special "Hip Hop vs. America."
Hot Ghetto Mess," however, premieres tonight with a new name - "We Got To Do Better."
Also, Rev. Al Sharpton was at BET's session to discuss his part in "Hip Hop vs. America." But, he goes one-on-one with EUR's Lee Bailey to discuss the possible return of Don Imus.