Prominent Atlanta Movie Executive Accused of Racist and Antisemitic Messages
Atlanta ‘s Film Industry Rocked by Scandal
Public figures and organizations in Atlanta’s blossoming film and television industry have been sent into a frenzied state as top movie executive and former CEO of Blackhall Studios, Ryan Millsap, stands accused of sending text messages laden with racial and antisemitic slurs.
Disparity Between Public Persona and Private Messages
A court deposition reveals that the celebrity figure who had — until recently — been recognized for his commitments to diversity and inclusion, had allegedly engaged in private communications that sharply contradict his public persona.
Found amongst documents presented to the Fulton County Superior Court were text messages wherein Millsap supposedly expressed derogatory views against African Americans and Jewish people. The messages, exchanged primarily in 2019, ranged from derogatory comments aimed at African Americans to expressions of distaste for Jewish people.
Millsap’s Career and Reputation
Before these revelations, the California-born Millsap had gained prominence in the Atlanta film community for championing diversity. During his time with Blackhall Studios, which he sold in 2021 for $120 million, he was involved with several African American-led projects, such as HBO’s “Lovecraft Country” and YouTube Premium’s “Step Up: The Series.”
The movie executive also made appearances with Atlanta-based public figures such as T.I. and Issac Hayes III on his own podcast, “The Blackhall Podcast.”
Quotes from Former Attorney
However, these public efforts to embrace Black culture and creatives, according to the plaintiff in this case — John Da Grosa Smith, Millsap’s former attorney —, were unfaithful representations of Millsap’s private views. Smith alleges that Millsap’s private messages betray his public persona. He claims, “Ryan works hard to mislead and hide the truth. And he is very good at it. These text messages are perilous for him.”
Response from Millsap and Associates
While Millsap declined to comment on the case, Christy Hockmeyer, his former girlfriend and an investor in his real estate company who was part of the offensive exchanges, has since issued an apology for her involvement. Hockmeyer described her remarks and language as “inappropriate.”
The Looming Impact on Atlanta’s Movie Industry
The disclosure of these messages casts an unfavourable light on the executive stands to have a significant impact on Atlanta’s film and television industry. Millsap was previously influential in a 2020 land swap deal that saw Blackhall Studios swap 55 acres of its property for DeKalb’s 40 acres of Intrenchment Creek Park.
As the case progresses and further details emerge, the industry awaits a decision from Fulton County Superior Court. Regardless of the outcome, the scandal has ignited debate about racism and antisemitism within the film industry and hints at a wider conversation to be had about diversity and inclusion in Hollywood and beyond.
