Michaela Coel | James MacTaggart Lecture | Edinburgh TV Festival 2018

[@sarahjones7097]

I've been home alone for a few days so thought I'd try that new BBC thing while I've got some time. I started I May Destroy You on Friday afternoon. I finished it on Saturday. On Sunday I watched all of Chewing Gum. Now on Monday, I'm here. She has taken over my life and I'm really happy about it.

[@julesmuhammad5836]

First saw her acting in Black Earth Rising and loved her intensity then.

[@yakacm]

Chewing Gum is hilarious.

[@Mysticmimi7]

Jesus Christ ...

[@tshidithebehli1546]

yeah, she does creep into your soul, she's brilliant. I pray she lives long

[@judoireparfait6330]

I'm obsessed too. What a woman! Such integrity and talent

[@wannad8290]

This lecture will set someone free. God Bless You Michaela

[@bkilg2509]

Thats the most beautiful compliment

[@marks9982]

She is amazing

[@lizyoung5587]

She stole the show from her own self!! Amazing!

[@Sofysbb1]

I watched it a few times now, and this year, it helped me with a important decision. It set me free for real.

[@felixmidas2020]

Why involve god in this?

[@Andrewclovis]

I am here because of, I May Destroy You. I am in love with this woman . Her beauty and mind.

[@sari7829]

same...

[@TheTrueforeigner]

Me too🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@helenaalonsopaisley2518]

Same.

[@Dessertfarianism]

Chewing Gum & I may destroy you are awesome 💝

[@josephrwa2392]

A lot of the storyline of "i may destroy you" are in this lecture 😮

[@mariagoret3312]

“I used the only power I had, I declined” thanks for the reminder that we all have this power:)

[@TM-cm8vz]

KNOW your story, OWN your story, TELL your STORY 👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿. All young black girls need to watch this💯💯

[@DeeperThanMyThoughts]

Young and older alike! I agree we need to tell our stories.

[@joannaclayton3938]

Eviscerating honesty, she glides between poise and slapstick and makes her point with such elegance and steel. I hope she inspires a generation. Long may she thrive.

[@GozerTheGozerian]

The soft racism of low expectations, incarnate here in your comment, over-praising a woman of minimal talent and ascribing deep meaning where it doesn't exist. You don't like Michaela Coel, you like being able to t ll other people what a woke person you are for liking Michaela Coel, as if holding minorities to the lowliest standards isn't itself a virulent form of racism.

[@joannaclayton3938]

​@@GozerTheGozerianyou don't like GozertheGozerian you like getting a rise out of people. When life can be so beautiful, why waste it?

[@witchplease9695]

@@GozerTheGozerian Michaela is talented as anyone whose seen her work would know, you're just an angry racist spewing filth because of her race. You're pathetic. Have you actually ever watched her shows or are you just mad she's a successful Black woman/

[@GozerTheGozerian]

@@witchplease9695 Thanks for proving my point with the way you describe her, patting her on the head like a small child and immediately getting on your high horse to accuse me of racism, projecting your own actions into someone else. You should read John McWhorter and come to terms with your own condescending racism, praising minorities for the most basic things, which proves you hold them to lower standards. YOU are the racist. Accept it.

[@MrRhurbarb]

@@GozerTheGozerian These are good truths you are expressing Gozer. Glad to see someone point out the emperor is naked.

[@TheFever77]

Her mind is just phenomenal. A whole one hour lecture without a script, brilliant, funny, uncomfortable, shocking and uplifting. She really is something to behold.

[@alyonarydannykh8405]

She is great, but there is a script, actually. In the beginning, she's even joking about those high-tech screens next to her with her text.

[@GozerTheGozerian]

Behold the astounding soft racism of a person who runs out of superlatives praising a tedious speech on the theme of victimhood. What you're doing is tantamount to patting a child on the head and saying, "You're such a smart little one, aren't you?" You've even gone so far as to praise Coel for things she isn't doing, such as ad-libbing this speech. Yours is the soft racism of low expectations, of being delighted when a black woman surprises you by being able to articulate basic thoughts. Your comment is so monstrously racist that it's unbelievable, really.

[@irmamaize1739]

"The resilience born from having no safety net at all". Very factual statement.

[@Hafsa-4realz.]

Amazing speech. I saw you randomly in central London you were jumping in to a black cab I blew you a kiss told u I love you and your major inspiring you blew a kiss back and said you loved me too, you made day.

[@mandy9775]

"Misfits - ones who looks at life differently". Never have I ever been so proud to be a misfit.

[@mariefrancoise12]

They overworked her and took advantage of her lack of knowledge of how the business worked. I'm so glad she survived this trial dressed as opportunity by fire. She's incredibly brave and astute. She's had to fight from the inside and is bravely using her power to empower others. I sincerely hope she continues to prioritize her voice and others like her (like me). Bravo. love her.

[@isobel64]

exactly.

[@GozerTheGozerian]

"She's incredibly brave and astute." Do you hear yourself? Your racism of low expectations is as revealing as it is monstrous and condescending. Do you praise minorities for paying their bills on time too?

[@jasmineadjei2552]

This woman is phenomenal, her writing is sublime. I can only imagine as a previous aspiring actor how much work it has entailed for Michaela Coel getting to where she is now. I hope and pray that England, the BBC, ITV, channel 4/5 and all those give this woman the budget the money she needs, to do what she is so brilliant at. Her story telling is second to none and is so needed. Finding out that black people are only 3% of this country of 87% white people, I can’t tell you how exhausted being black and British or other in this country is fighting a system and a people who are determined to be blind and deaf. She is refreshing. Please pay her what she’s worth. We NEED her perspective and narrative in this one sided one perspective often dull world perspective. Yep I’ll say it it’s called the world of white supremacy. This was a great lecturer.

[@Q.Me601]

As a young black man, I experienced E16 in the early 2000's . You couldn't have said it any better.

[@GozerTheGozerian]

More soft racism, over-praising a marginal talent and lavishing superlatives on her work because you want to be seen as woke and progressive for supporting her, even as you gloss over the fact that she is incoherent and without an original thought.

[@rajo741]

@@GozerTheGozerian let me put it in terms you can understand (and I realize I’m not elevating the conversation) you’re a hateful idiot without any critical faculties. What an uninspired shallow life you must lead.

[@GozerTheGozerian]

@@rajo741 I really made you uncomfortable, didn't I? Hit a little too close to home? Remember this next time you're tempted to pat a black person on the head for meeting your lowest expectations. Your racism is monstrous and condescending.

[@rajo741]

@@GozerTheGozerian And of course, for someone of your insufficient critical faculties, more than a little late to the party. You’ve not made anyone in this life feel anything other than pity for all of your ilk. Here you are ten months later getting riled up again, simply because you need to remind yourself that you’re a, marginally, sentient life form. Go away and evolve a little.

[@topgurl9313]

I'm sorry why doesn't this have millions of views? This is one of the best lectures/monologues/presentations I've ever seen.

[@romyengel9861]

100% agree!!!

[@mbb6047]

It's not viral. I had to search for her to see it. It was never suggested to me. I think when you are ready to listen you will find what you need.

[@onecingulardude06]

exactly! they know WASSUP!

[@MrRhurbarb]

Maybe because not everywhere is interested in a speech given by a woman who is ridiculously overhyped on the basis of her race?

[@witchplease9695]

@@MrRhurbarb Overhyped? You said on another comment that nobody cares about her and she isn’t well known but now she’s overhyped? It’s so obvious your issue with her is your own racism. Racism is a WHITE problem that you people have, never a Black person’s problem. She will continue to thrive while you criticize her on no basis other than your own inferiority complex.

[@ham6750]

The best 53 minutes i have spent this WHOLE YEAR. I have so much admiration for this incredibly talented and effortlessly hilarious human being. She has a way of reciting painful memories and turning them into endearing lessons that we may all learn from. ❤

[@HerbivorousFlex]

Watching this crying my eyes out in an Airbnb I booked to focus on writing and stop my head getting in the way! Love to all you misfits out there... It's incredible to witness such power, bravery and honesty represented in a human being. It's in all of us... we rise!

[@dinobonacic2471]

32:50 "But if you're not racist or thoughtless about race, what other thing can you be?" Words that seem so perfect to describe the world right now!

[@topgurl9313]

Exactly what I was thinking while re-watching this recently

[@olukemiibinola3417]

Poignant really

[@YevVisao]

The World 'Right Now'? Some of you people just started paying attention to the world we live on 'right now' but the world right now is not a new world.

[@AfroVibez]

I love that part ...

[@TheFeliciakelley]

Yev_Visao EXACTLY!! That’s the sad part!!

[@ajala_wonders1680]

I've followed Micheala since she was a poet and doing spoken word. I remember being gutted because I wasn't old enough to watch the chewing gum dreams when It was original shown in the shed theatre. I remember wishing that she would do more shows in the future and boy was I estatic when I saw her show of the same title on an ad as I was entering university. Micheala is the embodiment of moving in silence😅 her Facebook which once was always promoting things is pretty much out of use. Yet she has risen onto big and awesome things ❤ I'm so inspired by this woman who's words I still repeat in my head "oh, in the rain, stand your ground, and you will smile again, let it go, let grow"

[@lovely-mk4rt]

I’m watching this in July of 2020. I did watch Chewing Gum on Netflix when it came out and was floored at how funny, real, enlightening and brilliant the shows were. Michalea is so very intelligent and brave and honest. She does what I love but fear the most. She writes. She is a writer. I’m a senior ( 65) with 5 daughters and one granddaughter and I’m so proud of them. But I feel so proud of you, dear Michalea, you are the future model that young girls aspire to be. BRAVE.

[@HayGurlHay]

I highly recommend to you her new show I May Destroy You if you haven't seen it yet. I'm so sure you would absolutely love it!

[@emilienewell]

" She does what I love but fear the most... I’m a senior ( 65) with 5 daughters and one granddaughter." If you love writing, please do it and share your perspective. The world needs voices like yours.

[@octopusmime]

massive.i hope she sees this and realizes how much of a hero she is to so many!!!

[@miranda6063]

What a queen she is so underrated in so many different ways it’s unreal

[@soleil2269]

Miranda Sapphire hell nahhh she not in my book. I just think it because she famous but her show is amazing

[@rickywilliams934]

I crave and thirst for this creature!

[@peacheskong2245]

The word 'underrated', is honestly overused. She really isn't overrated, also she just started out.

[@mang88888]

I came to this lecture after watching I May Destroy You. How come it has taken me so long to “discover” this queen? Michaela Coel is a national treasure. Misfits rule, ok.

[@aliceorlik7737]

She is ethereal. I'm so drawn to her. I'm a director, writer, and actor, and I always thought there wasn't anyone else that did all three at once. Turns out Michaela does those three and 20 other roles too. She is such an inspiration. This is all so well said. She is wonderful.

[@aliceorlik7737]

@@MrRhurbarb lmao when I first wanted to do all 3 I didn't know those people because I was too young. I do now though. That still doesn't mean that Michaela can't be inspiring to me?? I hope you recover from your obvious offense taken from my nice comment xx

[@MrRhurbarb]

@@aliceorlik7737 OK, sorry if my comment was mean-spirited. I didn't realise that you were young and didn't want to seem to be bullying. I have deleted my comment. Good luck in all your future artistic endeavours.

[@Howtobeabeast]

This needs to be watched by so many more people

[@JARRTEE123]

Exactly I just was thinking the same thing

[@shazrebekah]

Omg I'm giving a standing ovation from my bedroom! Thru teary eyes! Bludy hell Michaela! Yes and Amen! Xxxx💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@ellielindsey7454]

SHE IS AMAZING and I can't wait to see whatever she creates next. Chewing Gum is a f***ing gem.

[@pascal590]

I'm so sad there won't be a season 3. Last year she said it would happen, but the other day on her IG she said in the comments that it is definitely dead. Damn, one of the best shows of the decade finished too early. But apparently shes doing some musical show for netflix?

[@jkally1]

'I May Destroy You' has just been released, it's amazing

[@lt5711]

and then she created I May Destroy You and..... speechless. Protect this woman at all costs.

[@BrianGolden1979]

I love that she exists so unapologetically. She’s earned that right by experience. Keep soaring Ms. Coel

[@TramainBacchus]

Empowering and transparent. Truly a wonderful woman.

[@ryn3575]

“I told people to keep climbing for the love of it, whatever the craft, not because of financial profit or safety”. Exactly what I needed to hear

[@terrehonbowden3472]

I admire her so very much. Words actually just failed me. She is brilliant, funny, honest, hard working, clever...she's amazing. She's beautiful.

[@leacarreno5136]

Just gave my own spontaneous standing ovation watching this.

[@nostalgicbeautyy]

this was everything and more. as a young screenwriter and playwright, this couldn't have come at a more perfect time in my life. thank you for your openness, your honesty, your strength, and heart be a leader. thank you for allowing me to realize I'm not the only one.

[@kanoshanorman7009]

I like her 10x more now. She’s an amazing human being ♥️

[@1Gloriaa]

Imma need her to write a book as in yesterday!!

[@soniandukwe8981]

This woman is a storyteller 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿.

[@kyleb5589]

I am sick of comments on here saying how beautiful her face is. Did you listen to the genius & honest speech she just gave? Why is her beauty the only thing you take away from this.

[@nicholasKMAmusic]

I didnt mean to watch this whole thing yet here we are. Thanks youtube!

[@fatimahconteh3971]

My soul has travelled with this speak

[@ellieevelyn498]

This is so important! Thank you Michaela Coel for being passionately yourself, this is beautiful.

[@lyadmilo]

Currently struggling in drama school, fighting sexual harassment and ableism. Theatre sells itself as a home for everyone with creativity. But I have been told to my face I will never make it because I am disabled. That no director will work with someone who has to take time off for doctor's appointments. That a surgeon's note is not enough of an excuse to miss even half a class. I know all these things would be compounded further if I was Black. Michaela is a light in the darkness for us all. Chewing Gum made me laugh, I May Destroy You Made Me Cry, and this lecture did both and one more: gave me back my resilience.

[@ImaniWisdomOfficial]

Since watching both seasons of "Chewing Gum', I've become hooked to Michaela's writing style, her acting, and her witty personality. As a struggling writer, there were words in this lecture I needed to hear. Thank you!

[@alexawilsonartvideos]

There's nothing more powerful than a broken and healed woman. A metaphor for womankind. What a powerhouse of inspiration.

[@TheMssandy]

This speech is absolutely stunning!!! It has fully penetrated my heart.

[@PDMarcano]

My husband, Michael, is responsible for me discovering Michaela. He was watching "Chewing Gum". At the time, I wasn't interested. I already had a queue of my own selections lined up. Then I watched it... and became a fan!😍 I became even more of one, watching "Black Earth". If I see her name in the cast, I watch! Hence, when my husband sent the link to this lecture, I watched without hesitation! My admiration has grown even more! 🥰

[@AfricancoolChic]

"I may destroy you' is amazing

[@PDMarcano]

@@AfricancoolChic I've heard! We don't have cable though. I may invite myself over to a friend's to watch it!😄

[@Yozi6414]

She is so beautiful and intelligent!

[@everythingispolitics6526]

Using her powerful voice and platform to liberate many and put several others to account. She's incredible and a very very rare gem.

[@Wrappedinpurple]

Yes Michaela! Tell them... wake them up ❤️❤️❤️

[@tevacollins]

I hope more people watch this. The strength of this woman!

[@tsmurphy5917]

"Be transparent..." she literally took my breath away and gave me serious food for thought. Love this woman!

[@BBrunnel]

Who's here because of Michaela Coel's script?

[@milkdrom3da]

A M meee

[@MelvinTaylorII]

What's up‼️

[@diegoramostomey]

And to find out why season 3 isn’t happening! LOL

[@mehrj9910]

Melvin Taylor II oo

[@Minerve426]

Wow. All I can say is wow. This woman is out of this world - she is so UNDERRATED!

[@Enola3863]

I agree with most who have commented. Michaela you are so freeing, and you have made my 73 year old soul free. Thank you!

[@tomwright01]

Such an important speech, I hope the industry makes policy changes to address these issues. I can't see the government leading that so perhaps people could put direct pressure on the channels. Especially in holding anyone to account for any statements in solidarity with BLM. A lot of corporations trying to act like they empathize but they just waiting for everything to blow over without doing anything.

[@isobel64]

so true!!

[@kim_fd8938]

Yes 👍

[@baetoulk5888]

This is amazing. Michaela is a captivating speaker and story teller, and I appreciate her message and it's complexity.

[@dominiqoti701]

An eclectic, unapologetic, honest and powerful narrative. Michaela Coel.

[@gamjc]

Who’s here from E. Alex Jung’s NYmag article on Michaela??

[@zzsmile1]

This was poignant, funny, inspirational, motivational, emotive, intelligent, eloquent, colloquial, educational and spoken word poetry all in one! Also Michaela, your shaved head look is one of your most beautiful look, and shows off your defined cheek bones which go on for days! :) Edited: Wow Michaela, I am so sorry you were assaulted, I am glad you have survived your trauma & came back stronger. Thank you.

[@alwaysk4354]

WOW. Beautiful and talented. So many people should hear her story.

[@goke.studio]

I have the utmost respect for this woman

[@yamkelagrey5892]

I keep on coming back to this

[@thehoneyeffect]

This should be a book 📚 brilliant 👏🏽

[@FedUpSista]

It is now.

[@DoctorDrag100]

What an absolutely beautiful lecture.

[@gregjr.8268]

its amazing how she wrote 'i may destroy you' based on her sexual trauma, SHE TOOK THAT POWER BACK ! cant wait to watch when its available in my region.

[@camersonLA]

I cannot like this enough. So honest and a great call to action.

[@beverlychandran1983]

For being in the industry for such a short time her transparency and ability not to ignore what is happening around her and to her puts her way above her peers in so many ways. She is going to tell the truth about whatever it is in her work; comedy or not. Well deserved standing ovation at the end. I look forward to seeing her grow and share more of her experiences. 🥰

[@justalice8528]

I'm doing a university essay and oh my god I love her. This is honestly the best lecture I've ever heard. She's amazing!

[@suzlovesyou]

Such a beautiful lecture. Literally teared up at the end. Thank you for your transparency!

[@Esi153]

Wow, that was outstanding, honest, raw. Everything!

[@goddessthyme8388]

The way she turns her life experiences into gold and wonderful tv shows no matter how painful..... GODLY

[@chinamoses]

This woman is so fierce!

[@ladyslick121]

Enough of the harmful 'strong-black-woman' stereotypes please. They perpetuate further dehumanisation of black women. She's a wonderful human being.

[@chinamoses]

@@ladyslick121 Um excuse me? The base of an artist is learning how to express vulnerabilities, emotions and how you deal with them to tell a story and shape projects. Yes that is fierceness in the colloquial way I used that word. Read the room please. And you are doing more harm trying to defend a black woman creative from another black woman creative sign of support, another woman from another woman's sign of support and another human from another human's support. Be safe.

[@ssrr90]

@@ladyslick121 how could you take her comment negatively? She is uplifting her and acknowledging her strength

[@buddha.b3416]

So sad this beautiful human isn’t doing a season 3! I love her show!!! She is so talented! I respect her so much! She is amazing! What a strong woman 💪🏽

[@zzsmile1]

She changed her mind & said in an article, there will be a Season 3 :)

[@MelodyNieves]

Beautiful lecture ❤️ love her writing style..

[@ShamaraMurray]

This opportunity to talk was used very wisely. I had no idea, Michaela, you were sexually assaulted. This isn’t about blame but opening up complex conversations. How brave to share all those layers of your story. And about writers not getting exec producer credits in U.K. tv, that’s the struggle Daniel Lawrence Taylor had with Timewasters, on ITV. This all needs addressing across the board. How are minority writers gonna feel safe when this happens to our most successful creators?

Just beautiful. Inspiring and lovely and raw.

[@maxjensenjames9622]

I love this woman. She is an amazing speaker aswell as everything else she has done!

[@rese7252]

Wow, brilliance. I needed to hear this. Everything.

[@ryn3575]

“some felt they spent most of their lives being judged and disempowered before even speaking, the misfits were inspired to create.” To get a reaction like that from your work must be so freeing. She is, as ever, incredible.

[@rickywilliams934]

I have to admit, yes I went through withdrawal (s), hoping for "Chewing Gum" season 3. You're right about giving us a reason to stay tuned, because not that it was owed, but I've been waiting for an explanation, and now through this lecture you've given it.🙏 I crave and thirst for this creature, and her creations!

[@Q.Me601]

Goodness!!!! She's amazingly smart. You can never get tired of listening to her. Creativity unleashed. She literally played back my time spent in East London (E 16). Soo real.. Building the nation- different ways. Minorities always on a different path.

[@VanessaKanbi]

This was absolutely incredible. I am totally inspired and it has helped me in decisions I have to make. Thank you for being so transparent, open & honest !

[@annapeng88]

I am utterly dazed by her beauty and strength. Some people are meant to shine brighter in this world, and she is clearly one of them. We need to make black people like her much much more visible.

[@meraki5104]

Thank you so much Michaela! You don't know how much I needed this

[@I_amsoprecious]

Who else is here because of I May Destroy You? What an incredible show and talent!

[@vintagebettyboop220]

Love listening to Micheala.. She talks so much sense and is a natural storyteller... Been a fan for a few years now... But her talks bring her characters to life ❤️

[@Marie0575]

I just gave a standing ovation after listening tobthis smart beautiful woman speak.👏

[@kikiperry8176]

East Kent Rape Crisis Centre is one of the specialised services for rape survivors. Thank you for this talk,

[@jeannebrown2211]

Michaela Coel is a 100% class act!

[@bornearth]

This has so many implications beyond tv, film, and theater.

[@maryoberschlake1988]

Yes!

[@mathiasmattu]

A deeply personal lecture that actually teaches so much about the industry!

[@amelianashe6947]

Amazing woman. Very powerful, thought-provoking speech. From one misfit writer to another, thank you, Michaela.

[@sparklyjewels]

Wow Michaela what a story.....what creative....I am full of admiration for your transparency. Keep on you wonderful woman....I came to this after watching ‘I may destroy you’.....now I see where the story came from. Thank you. Keep on being brave and truthful, I’m full of admiration....

[@osheaeimear83]

Love her so much!

[@reginamushi6582]

My God she is soo young too! 1999 I was in my first year of UNi! But look at how attractive her mind is! God bless you strong girl xx

[@AbduAliFree]

Hold up, nobody noticed she remembered this whole speech without a script? That's talent! lol.

[@indieconquers]

p sure there's a caption tv in front of her which she references at the beginning

[@figgettit]

she is reading from a prompter fool

[@silasula3542]

i have never seen anything so lucid about how to work in a faulty system in an ethical way. i'm literally mindblown.

[@alexandrosnarlis536]

Legend - ICON - I follow her since chewin gum. Such an inspiration.

[@mclendon9]

I love her shes awesome and I know greater things are to come. Keep going and don't look back.

[@dawnmitchell6714]

I LOVE MICHAELA! She inspires me and she is brilliance personified. I laughed and cried. You always feel her stories. She is exceptional!

[@kellyps2024]

Even more relevant today. I am so impressed, encouraged and enthralled with this new generation of artists. I love the work you are doing, you are changing the world.

[@funkmasterjay]

Wow. What a journey and experience to share. Love your work.

[@jarrodh8041]

Michaela, you are such an inspiration I think. I look forward to seeing your next achievement and thank you for sharing your experience.

[@aokookello5564]

And your prophecy came true

[@sarahellis3908]

Wow this lady is amazing at telling her story real brutal yet comedic, I really enjoyed listening to this and almost forgot it was a lecture which usually my attention wavers but every second of this I was gripped, beautifully told bravo 👏🏼