Jordan Stephens has said his recent Attitude Ally award reflects a lifelong belief that everyone deserves safety, not a political stance. The Rizzle Kicks star, 34, told Metro the morning after the ceremony that his work is about human connection and the art of conversation, which he fears is being lost in a 'frictionless society'.
On connection and celebrity
Stephens, who co-hosts the Miss Me? podcast with Miquita Oliver, said much of his current work is 'connection oriented' and that holding onto conversation is important. He admitted feeling uncomfortable with being seen as a role model, saying he dislikes 'all the purity stuff' and prefers to put his 'insides on display'.
He recently criticised friend Ed Sheeran over the removal of Macklemore from his tour following Macklemore's outspoken support for Palestine, saying on his podcast: 'Every time he speaks, it gets worse.' He also expressed discomfort with Sacha Baron Cohen's upcoming Ali G film, Who Iz I?, which has faced backlash for 'enforcing racist stereotypes'.
On masculinity and the manosphere
Stephens said his views on masculinity were shaped by the women who raised him, not by other men. 'I look back and a lot of my strength, creativity, and guidance has come from women, and I'm proud to say that,' he said. He added that he resents the idea that guidance must come from men.
He acknowledged the fears men have about being seen as 'soft' for their clothing, words, or appreciation of women, but said he feels 'very, very lucky' to have grown away from that. He also addressed the perception that his advocacy is a 'leftist agenda'.
On the ally award and safety
'I literally believe that everyone, and my life, is so much better because of it. Why wouldn't you want that? Why wouldn't you want women to feel safe? It feels so straightforward and that's the world I want to live in,' he said. He described the award as encompassing his work, though he finds it 'confusing' because his actions are not a 'move'.
Stephens is partnering with iD Mobile and Mental Health UK to encourage people to 'Make it a Call' and reconnect through phone conversations.
