The roots of Jason Lee’s Hollywood Unlocked
In 2015, Lee launched his entertainment site, Hollywood Unlocked. In January 2023, he raised US$1.7 million in seed capital, bringing the company’s valuation to US$50 million. PR Newswire has described it as “on a mission to create spaces for Black voices”. Variety reports that it is considered “one of the nation’s leading Black-owned media and entertainment brands” – having secured tell-all interviews with the likes of Cardi B, Tiffany Haddish and Ye (formerly Kanye West).
Forbes states that the site has “undeniable worldwide reach and cultural influence”, with Rihanna famously saying, “If I want to speak to my people, I come to Hollywood Unlocked.”
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Jason Lee’s traumatic childhood
In an interview on VladTV, Lee opened up about his childhood, detailing how his mother battled addiction, leading to him being placed in foster care. He also spoke about how his brother Rodney was murdered in front of him. In 1997, Lee was having a going-away party at a bowling alley after being inspired to move to LA by a meeting with Queen Latifah. He was just leaving the party when a woman being carried out randomly shot at the crowd, killing Rodney.
Jason Lee’s new career in politics
Lee began his political career this year, returning to his hometown of Stockton, California, and filing to enter the District 6 council race. Although critics quickly pointed out his celebrity culture background and lack of experience, he led the polls. He posted to his Instagram account in March: “As of today, we’ve come out on top, leading the others at 40.2 per cent! We ran a very smart campaign and had some of the best volunteers.”
This means that Lee will face off against current council member Kimberly Warmsley in the November elections, per The Stockton Record.