Fans of 90's reality TV will likely remember the controversial argument between Kevin Powell and Julie Gentry on Real World: New York.
The popular MTV show The Real World tells the true story of seven strangers who are picked to live in a house together for a period of time. It was the foundation for many of today's most popular reality shows, like Big Brother and The Bachelor.
Throughout the hit show, cast members used the platform the show provided to tackle issues such as HIV, alcoholism, depression, and racism. The issue of racism is one of the oldest, began in season one of Real World: New York, which led to an argument that changed reality television forever.
When reports originally discussed the show's Season 1 reunion, people were excited, shocked, and hoping for discussions on matters that came up during its original run with the benefit of added perspective, and they got exactly what they wanted.
After the release of the reunion, titled The Real World Homecoming: New York, fans and critics began to remember some of the more controversial moments of the season. One such controversy involved the issues racism and white privilege, and centered around an argument between cast members Kevin Powell and Julie Gentry.
Powell was the only Black cast member on that season. An article published by the LA Times recently discussed the matter with Powell, due to how it relates to the Black Lives Matter movement. Fans responded with their own opinions on the article, lauding Powell for his courage at a time where he stood, essentially, alone - at least on the show.
After the argument occurred, various cast members and viewers thought Powell was far too confrontational in talking about the racism he experienced. However, after the premiere of the new show on Paramount+, people have found Powell's opinion realistic and well-fitting based on what we now know about racism as a society.
The reunion show consisted of cast members discussing some of what went on during the 1992 season, including the argument between Powell and Gentry outside their Manhattan loft. Although cast members have discussed events already, and have come to an understanding, cast member Beck Blasband reopened the discussion in an effort to defend herself. She took issue with the fact that she was, in her opinion, made to look like a “poster girl for white privilege.”
After the first season of The Real World aired, the show became a worldwide phenomenon, only ending its original run on MTV in 2017. The show also ran again in New York for Season 10, titled The Real World: Back to New York, which aired in 2001.
As Powell became a civil and human rights activist, many hoped for the writer to bring up the 1992 conversation. Now that he finally did bring it up, some of the cast members did admit that racism in the United States has gotten worse.
Multiple cast members did find success after the show, other than Powell and Gentry. Cast member Heather Gardner became a rapper and is currently the co-host of Sway in the Morning with former MTV reporter Sway Calloway.
All but one of the cast members returned to New York for the six-episode show. Former model Eric Nies participated virtually due to being diagnosed with COVID-19.
Although there have yet to be any reports on whether or not another reunion will occur for casts from other seasons, the final episode of this reunion special aired on April 8. The season in its entirety gained positive reviews from fans.
The reunion show and the original are both currently airing on Paramount+.