Originally set to debut on Nick Jr. this fall, Made by Maddie, was pulled by Nickelodeon after receiving serious backlash regarding plagiarism on the internet.
What We Know:
- Nick Jr. teased their newest show Made by Maddie that was set to premiere September 13th. Unfortunately, after significant criticism on social media, the Nickelodeon preschool program spin-off pulled the series.
- Following the teaser, social media users quickly recognized the similarities between Made by Maddie and Matthew A. Cherry’s 2019 short film, Hair Love. In 2020, Hair Love won an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film as it depicted the story of a black father learning how to do his daughter’s seemingly unruly, natural hair.
- Social media users pointed out the uncanny physical resemblance between Maddie and Hair Love’s Zuri. Furthermore, the family of Maddie and Zuri looked shockingly similar– down to the pet cat.
https://twitter.com/WokeLiving/status/1300930196107915265?s=20
- Matthew A. Cherry joined the social media conversation agreeing that the style and narrative were far too similar. He also added that Hair Love was set to have its own series set to release with HBO Max.
- Following the social uproar, Nickelodeon released a statement last Friday saying, “In response, and out of respect to all voices in the conversation, we are removing the show from our schedule as we garner further insight into the creative journey of the show…. we hold Matthew A. Cherry and the wonderful and inspiring Hair Love in the highest regard.”
It is very clear that Matthew A. Cherry’s Hair Love is highly loved and respected by a community that deeply resonates with its narrative that cannot be duplicated.