In the entertainment industry, certain powerful figures and organizations are often accused of maintaining control through a secretive network of gatekeepers. These gatekeepers reportedly dictate who succeeds and who gets pushed aside, especially if they don’t conform to their standards. Among those who have vocalized their opposition to this system is rapper and actor Ice Cube, who claims that Hollywood is run by a sinister organization that exploits and suppresses those who refuse to play by their rules. His allegations extend beyond just the usual power struggles in entertainment to a broader, more organized control over the industry’s key players, including black artists and women.

Ice Cube’s experience in Hollywood has been marked by resistance, especially after the release of his “Contract with Black America,” a plan aimed at addressing racial inequality in the U.S. Since then, he says, he has faced backlash from the establishment, which he refers to as “the club of gatekeepers.” According to him, this group is angered when people refuse to be part of their network, and they use their influence to marginalize those who don’t conform. His refusal to compromise with this system has led to notable exclusions from significant media platforms, such as The View and even shows hosted by influential figures like Oprah Winfrey.

Ice Cube’s claims suggest that the entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood, is controlled by a few powerful entities. He points to organizations such as BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street as having immense control, possibly more than high-profile industry executives like Lucian Grainge or Lyor Cohen. His argument is that these forces actively work to suppress voices like his, which challenge the status quo. He believes that while individuals like Grainge or Cohen could be fired, the real power lies with these massive financial firms, whose influence permeates beyond just entertainment.

Furthermore, Ice Cube’s vocal stance on the COVID-19 vaccine also made headlines. His refusal to get vaccinated reportedly cost him a $9 million role in a film. While some interpreted his stance as being anti-vaccine, Ice Cube clarified that he is not against vaccines in general, but he was uncomfortable with the speed at which the COVID-19 vaccine was developed. He felt the long-term effects of the vaccine had not been studied thoroughly enough for him to feel comfortable taking it. This decision led to significant backlash in Hollywood, with some insiders suggesting that his refusal was merely an excuse for already being marginalized by certain industry elites.

One of the most contentious aspects of Ice Cube’s narrative is his exclusion from Oprah Winfrey’s platform. Despite his success, Ice Cube notes that he has been consistently left out of opportunities to appear on her show, even when promoting projects that would seemingly align with Oprah’s interests. He recounts specific instances, such as the cast of his film Barbershop being invited on The Oprah Winfrey Show without him, and his controversial TV show Black White facing a similar exclusion. According to Ice Cube, his independent thinking and refusal to follow Hollywood’s prescribed political narratives have led to his marginalization.

Interestingly, Ice Cube isn’t the only one who has had issues with Oprah. Actress Monique has also publicly expressed grievances with Winfrey, accusing her of playing a role in the exploitation and marginalization of black actors, particularly black women. Monique shared a personal story about how Oprah reached out to her regarding a show featuring Monique’s brother, who had molested her in the past. Although Oprah initially gave Monique the impression that she would not proceed with the show if Monique was uncomfortable, the talk show host later aired it with Monique’s family, including her estranged mother, who she had been in a difficult place with. Monique’s anger stemmed from Oprah’s failure to communicate her full intentions and for allowing the show to proceed in a way that Monique felt was exploitative.

The overarching theme that both Ice Cube and Monique highlight is the existence of a powerful, exclusive group within the entertainment industry that protects its own interests at the expense of others. Ice Cube’s refusal to be part of this “club” has led to him being sidelined in numerous ways, and Monique’s experience with Oprah suggests that even those who are seemingly champions for justice and equality may have a darker side when it comes to maintaining their status and influence.

Ice Cube’s response to this exclusion has been defiant. He plans to launch a “Gatekeepers Podcast Tour” to get his message out directly to the people, bypassing mainstream media outlets that he believes have deliberately silenced him. He is determined to speak out about what he sees as corruption in Hollywood and the entertainment industry, regardless of the backlash. He also emphasizes the importance of personal choice and the right to make individual decisions, whether in the context of vaccines or career choices, free from external pressure and control.

Ultimately, Ice Cube’s story is one of resistance against a system he believes is corrupt and exclusionary. He continues to advocate for his beliefs, whether through his music, his ventures like the BIG3 basketball league, or his public appearances, even if it means being marginalized by the very industry that once embraced him.