I know, I know, you’re probably thinking “Do we really need another reality TV show?” Especially one based around the life of a black man who has fathered 34 children with 17 different women. Jay Williams, an Atlanta music producer, appeared on Iyanla Vazant’s show last year to speak on his outlandish position. His children range in age from 3 to 27, and last month OWN confirmed in a press release that he will be starring in his own reality tv show.
Some people found this news disturbing, one critic Dr. Boyce Watkins had this to say about Williams’ show: “Apparently, going to school isn’t going to get you a show if you’re a black man. You’re more likely to be featured in media if you go out and irresponsibly populate half the damn planet. I’m sure this brother has issues, and that’s understandable, but I truly feel sorry for those kids. I won’t even talk about the STD issue when you’re having that much unprotected sex. Other people’s lives are affected when we live recklessly. It has to be called out when we see it.”
On the flip side, nobody knows how the show will be portrayed when the first episode airs September 2015. Optimistically the show may focus on the ‘what not to do’, and may not glorify his irresponsible choices. With the success of shows like Jon & Kate Plus 8 and 19 Kids and Counting hopefully Jay Williams will finally be making the money needed to support all of his children… ‘Cause mannn them child support checks are a’knocking!
