‘The Chi’: Imani Actor Responds to Questions About Her Exit: ‘I Rather Be Somewhere I’m Appreciated’
The Chi is officially coming back for another season at Showtime, but it’ll be without Jasmine Davis. Davis appeared on The Chi as Imani, a salon owner and ride-or-die partner to Luke James’ Trig Taylor. She spent two seasons on the series before announcing her exit just ahead of The Chi Season 5. But Davis implied on Twitter that there was more to her exit than what reports initially suggested.
Jasmine Davis isn’t returning to her role as Imani on ‘The Chi’
Davis first announced her exit in April. “Due to the many inquiries I’m officially announcing. I will not be in season 5 of @SHOTheChi and I will no longer be part of #thechi/#disneyproduction,” she wrote on Twitter. “Sending a BIG THANKS to all of my family and supporters/fans who have embraced me with along this journey. #selfworth.”
Some assumed she quit over Disney’s involvement in the show. At the time, there were protests against the company for not speaking out sooner against the Parental Rights in Education Bill. Also referred to as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, it prohibits educators in the state from discussing gender identity and sexual orientation with students, as NPR notes. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law in March.
But Davis indicated in a tweet that there was more behind her decision to step away from the show. She urged “all media and bloggers to not use [her] departure from @SHOTheChi as a political stance” and “make no assumptions.”
“All will be revealed in time. Thank you,” she wrote.
‘I had to protect my peace’
Many fans were devastated to learn that Davis wouldn’t be returning to the show. She apologized in a tweet for “breaking the news” but said her “self-worth and mental health means more.”
“It’s really good to hear that my fans enjoy my [presence] on the show #thechi but sis I had to protect my peace,” she wrote in response to another fan commenting on her absence. “My [apologies] 2 u all. I tried [to] hang on as long as I can bear. I rather be somewhere I’m appreciated Not tolerated I know my work thank you for your love and support.”
In an email to Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Showtime confirmed her departure but did not elaborate.
‘The Chi’ Season 5 to air in June
The show will make its way back to Showtime on June 26. This season, according to a quote from the synopsis from a press release, “delves deeply into the many joys and complications of Black love: relationships, children, career, community, and self.”
“Emmett (Jacob Latimore) and Tiff (Hannaha Hall) forge ahead as co-parents, while Tiff grows closer with Rob (Iman Shumpert). Kevin (Alex Hibbert) finds new love in an unexpected place, while Jake (Michael V. Epps) and Papa (Shamon Brown Jr.) try to resolve things with Jemma (Judae’a Brown) and Maisha (Genesis Denise Hale). New mom Kiesha (Birgundi Baker) works to build her life with baby Ronnie, while Nina (Tyla Abercrumbie) and Dre (Miriam A. Hyman) work at rebuilding their union as they support Lynae (Zara Primer). Jada (Yolonda Ross) assesses her life post-cancer and where Suede (Bernard Gilbert) fits, while Darnell (Rolando Boyce) considers the past for guidance on his future with Dom (La La Anthony). Roselyn’s (Kandi Burruss) new pet project places her at odds with Tracy (Tai Davis). Meanwhile, with a push from Douda (Curtiss Cook) and a helping hand from Shaad (Jason Weaver), Trig (Luke James) considers a political run that might help his city, but at what cost to him and his family?”
The synopsis for ‘The Chi’ Season 5
There’s no doubt that Davis will be missed as the show forges on, but it seems that this is best for her. Check out previous seasons of The Chi now on Showtime.
