Why So Silent? A&E Refuses to Acknowledge “Akil The Fugitive” Cancellation — Fuels Rumors of Racially Charged Decision

New York, NY — A fan-favorite show has been killed off by the A&E network – with no explanation whatsoever. Coming from A&E, this is no longer a surprise, and with a past full of several controversies, there is a good case for casting strong doubts on the channel’s racial motivations.

On July 27th, 2017, it became known that A&E, the network broadcasting Akil The Fugitive Hunter, decided to end the show’s run just after two weeks. No reason was given for the show’s cancellation; and many avid fans, as well as seasoned A&E network viewers, entertain the notion that the network’s move might have racial undertones.

Akil the Fugitive Hunter features Akil Muhammad in an action hero role, who goes around hunting criminals and fugitives in Los Angeles to protect his community. With live action and animation, the docuseries earned its share of fandom, only to be shot down after airing the first four episodes. What could be the motivation for A&E to do this?

A&E is no stranger to controversy. A&E was caught in a media storm after shocking revelations were made over its broadcast of Escaping the KKK: A Documentary Series Exposing Hate in America. Other controversies have been centered around its long-time collaboration with Dog The Bounty Hunter’s Duane Chapman, a TV personality that has been blasted for derogatory, racially charged tirades in the past.

Putting all of this together would make any viewer question the real motives behind the cancellation of Akil The Fugitive Hunter.

Akil Muhammad commenting on the show’s cancellation on the Akil The Fugitive Hunter Facebook page, has said, “This is more than a TV show. I am not an actor. This is my life. I will continue to do my part to serve my community and I encourage you to do the same. Please know that I have read all of your messages and I sincerely appreciate your support. If there is one thing you take away from this it is to NOT be a part of the problem, CHOOSE to be a part of the solution.”

Akil The Fugitive Hunter fans have stated their intentions to continue campaigning for the show’s return, either on A&E or on some other major network.

 

To know more about the show, visit:
www.aenetworks.com/article/ae-premiere-hybrid-live-action-and-animation-docuseries-akil-fugitive-hunter-thursday-july

To sign the online petition to bring the show back, visit:
www.change.org/p/a-e-network-return-of-a-superhero

 

To reach out to A&E Network, please contact:
Megan Tantillo
A&E Network
235 E. 45th St New York, NY 10017
310 556-7542
Megan.Tantillo@aenetworks.com

 

PRESS CONTACT:
Bring Back Akil Fan Club
bringbackakil@gmail.com
323-806-6417