Valarie Pettiford
Valarie Pettiford

There has been no news on the “Being Mary Jane” lawsuit Gabrielle Union filed against BET since the network issued a statement in response to the actress’ allegations (2 weeks ago), expressing their commitment to “reaching a swift and positive resolution.” I assumed that meant something would be worked out as quickly as possibly, if only for the sake of the show – one of BET’s few original scripted series, and one that’s been a hit for them, with a loyal fan base. It would be in the best interest of all parties.




In the meantime, the upcoming season of “Being Mary Jane” continues to add to its cast, with Valarie Pettiford, Ashton Holmes and Chiké Okonkwo joining the series to play recurring roles. Pettiford will play Ronda Sales, a veteran anchor at the network where Mary Jane works and Mary Jane’s idol; Holmes will play Garrett Keswick, producer and showrunner of the show Mary Jane hosts; and Okonkwo will play Lee Truitt, a successful British stand-up comedian who tests Mary Jane’s preconceived notions about what (or who) she needs in her life.

Chiké Okonkwo
Chiké Okonkwo

The trio join Michael Ealy, who was also recently added to the cast, as Mary Jane’s new producer boss.

Following the exit of creator and executive producer Mara Brock Akil, and executive producer and director Salim Akil (the couple inked an overall deal with Warner Bros TV, where they are now set up with 2 new projects in the works), the “revamped” “Being Mary Jane” production team now includes Will Packer (as executive producer), and “The Good Wife” co-executive producer Erica Shelton Kodish (serving as showrunner and executive produce as well) for the series’ upcoming 4th season which is returning in early 2017.




Gabrielle Union leads a cast of regulars that also included Richard Roundtree, Margaret Avery, Lisa Vidal, Richard Brooks, Raven Goodwin, B.J. Britt, Aaron D. Spears, Latarsha Rose and Stephen Bishop.