Boycott: Non-Freedmen Cast as Miles Davis in Upcoming Film

A new film titled Miles & Juliette—produced by Mick Jagger and starring British actor Damson Idris—is set to depict the legendary musician Miles Davis and his romantic relationship with French singer Juliette Gréco. But there’s a serious problem: Davis, a Freedmen icon born into a post-slavery American lineage, is being portrayed by someone who does not share that status or cultural experience.

Why This Casting Matters

Miles Davis was not just a jazz legend—he was a direct product of Freedmen culture, the very foundation of modern American music. His work, voice, and artistry cannot be separated from the generational struggle, triumph, and cultural innovation of the Freedmen people—those whose families were emancipated from U.S. chattel slavery and who remained in America through Jim Crow, redlining, and systemic exclusion.

To cast someone outside of that cultural and historical context not only erases the lived experience behind Davis’s genius, but continues a pattern where our image is monetized while our people are excluded.

Cultural Injustice in Entertainment

This is not just about one role. This is about a widespread industry trend of replacing Freedmen in their own stories, robbing us of both cultural agency and economic opportunity. In an era where studios claim to value authenticity and diversity, this decision flies in the face of both.

We Say: No More

We are calling for a boycott of Miles & Juliette. This casting choice is unacceptable. Verified Freedmen actors exist—many of them more than capable of bringing truth, weight, and depth to the role of Miles Davis. We will not support a project that ignores the importance of representation grounded in the specific identity of our people.

Take Action

• Do not support Miles & Juliette when it releases.

• Contact the producers and demand authentic representation.

• Share this post and uplift Freedmen-led productions telling our stories with truth and respect.

Representation without connection is exploitation.

Boycott this film until Freedmen are allowed to play Freedmen.