Amanda Ingrid Seales (born July 1, 1981), formerly known by the stage names Amanda Diva and Mendacious D[1], is a Grenadian-American actress. From 2017 to 2021, she starred in the HBO comedy series Insecure. In 2019, HBO released her first stand-up comedy special, I Be Knowin.[2] Then, in 2020, Seales launched Smart Funny & Black, a comedy gameshow that showcases Black culture, history, and experience.[3] Seales was also one of the co-hosts of the syndicated daytime talk show, The Real.[4]
Throughout 2019, Seales served as a frequent guest host for the syndicated daytime talk show The Real.[17] On January 6, 2020, Seales was promoted from guest co-host to permanent co-host.[18] She departed the series after six months of co-hosting, citing her dissatisfaction with the inability to openly speak on recent social issues as a reason.[19][20] In September 2020, Seales accused The Real of borrowing ideas from her show Smart Funny & Black, saying a segment titled "Black Lives Matter University" featured a logo that closely resembled Smart Funny & Black's emblem.[21]
Seales hosts a weekly podcast titled Small Doses.[18][28] Seales's book, Small Doses: Potent Truths for Everyday Use, was released in 2019. The book is an extension of her podcast of the same name. It is a volume of essays, axioms, original illustrations, and photos from her trademark "self-help from the hip” style of commentary.[29]
She created and hosts the touring variety game show Smart Funny & Black, where her love of games and music was used to serve as a safe space for the Black voice, and celebrates the many contributions Black Americans have made to history and pop culture, and more.[30] On April 18, 2022, Seales began co-hosting a new weekly radio show, Amanda Seales’ Smart Funny & Black Radio on SiriusXM, alongside Taj Rani and JeremiahLikeTheBible, featuring topics such as games, celebrity interviews and African-American culture.[31]
Advocacy and public positions
Seales has frequently spoken on social issues.
In 2019, Seales repeated false accusations from others that former NFL player and neurosurgeon resident Myron Rolle had sexually harassed several women, which Rolle denied as false. National media outlets reported that her statements had the potential to damage Rolle's career and reputation. Myron Rolle has stated "I did not return their (Seales') advances or wish to engage in a relationship as they may have wanted." Seales never issued a public apology for her actions.[32][33]
She initially supported Texas death-row inmate Rodney Reed but later rescinded her support after further information surfaced about his case.[34]
In 2020 she defended actor Jussie Smollett on The Real after his arrest, calling the alleged hoax "low-key noble" as a means to raise awareness; Smollett was later convicted of filing false police reports.[35][36]
In 2021, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha objected to her Insecure character wearing the sorority’s insignia; Seales responded that she was playing a character and not personally representing the organization.[37]
During an interview on the podcast Club Shay Shay, Seales confirmed that she previously dated Pusha T. She highlighted the quality of the rappers she has been involved with, stating, "As you can see, the rappers that I have dated are very great MCs, because I have high quality." No further details about the duration or nature of the relationship have been publicly disclosed by either party.
In the same Club Shay Shay interview, Seales also confirmed a past relationship with Lupe Fiasco. This claim has been a topic of discussion among fans, with some pointing to a possible reference to Seales in Lupe Fiasco's music. Specifically, on the outro of his album Food & Liquor, Lupe Fiasco gives a shout-out to "Amanda Diva," which some have speculated refers to Seales.[43] Seales has not commented on the specific nature of this shout-out, but her public statement has corroborated a prior connection between the two artists.[44]
Seales described herself as autistic during an interview on Club Shay Shay. She later clarified that she is self-diagnosed and has not been diagnosed by a licensed medical professional.[45]
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