HBO is still planning to go forward with its newest series Confederate, despite protests and the recent white supremacist riots in Charlottesville, Virginia.
During a recent Television Critics Association press event, HBO president Casey Bloys defended the show, stating, “All we can do is hope for people to judge the final product of these artists.”
The show, which focuses on an alternate history in which slavery still exists, has faced tons backlash with activist April Reign launching the hashtag #NoConfederate.
And, if you believed that the white supremacist riot in Charlottesville would make them think twice, think again.
In a statement to The New York Times on Monday, HBO said, “We support everybody’s right to express an opinion but the suggestion of irresponsibility on our part is simply undeserved. HBO has a long history of championing intelligent storytelling and we will approach this project with the same level of thoughtfulness that has always defined our programming. We recognize the sensitivity of this project and will treat it with the respect that it deserves. Our creative partners should be given time to develop the series rather than face prejudgment.”
So, for now, Confederate is moving ahead.