Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx
You're tuned to the good stuff
The setup
The premise
In what would become one of the most memorable moments in In Living Color history, Jamie Foxx performs a heartfelt rendition of "This Christmas" during the show's December 20, 1992 episode. However, the performance is notable for more than just Foxx's impressive vocal talent. As Foxx sings, members of the Wayans family and several cast members stand in the background wearing sunglasses, remaining completely stoic and stone-faced throughout the performance. This silent on-air protest was organized in solidarity with creator and executive producer Keenen Ivory Wayans, who had recently left the show due to conflicts with FOX network over creative control and rerun editing rights. The protesters included Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans, David Alan Grier, and Kelly Coffield Park. The demonstration was a powerful statement about family loyalty, artistic integrity, and standing up for what's right, even at the risk of their own careers. Jim Carrey, who was also on the show, supported the Wayans family who had helped launch his career.
The funny people
Jamie Foxx
Marlon Wayans
Shawn Wayans
Kim Wayans
David Alan Grier
Kelly Coffield Park
Say it with us
They stood there with sunglasses on, not smiling, making a statement
Marlon said on Club Shay Shay that this was a planned protest in solidarity with Keenen
This was more than a performance - it was a stand for creative freedom and family loyalty
Jamie kept it professional and delivered a beautiful performance despite the tension
The Wayans family helped launch Jim Carrey's career, and he stood with them during this time
A little extra
This performance occurred during a pivotal moment in the show's history, during the conflict between Keenen Ivory Wayans and FOX network. The protest was a calculated risk by the cast members, as they could have faced professional consequences for openly defying the network on-air. The video has gained renewed attention in recent years, particularly after Marlon Wayans discussed the incident in interviews, including on Club Shay Shay. Despite the tense behind-the-scenes situation, Jamie Foxx delivered a beautiful and professional performance. This moment has become symbolic of the show's legacy of pushing boundaries and standing up to network interference.
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