'BAPs' Creator Explains Controversial Reality Show; After Fans Outraged About The New Lifetime Show

Looks like the fans of Lifetime, and the new show BAPs already have some issues. Acoording to STLToday, the creator of the new reality show has come to the defense to shut down all the controversy surrounding the St. Louis show after viewers were outraged following its premiere last Wednesday night.

According to the site, viewers complained about everything, including the issues of another show, exposing more African American woman fighting. Some viewers are upset with the way the exclusive group of African-Americans in St. Louis, who seem to describe themselves as a higher class than others (a cast member says they're Cosby black, not "Good Times" black) are being portrayed.

To make matters worse, an argument broke out, resulting in one of the ladies to spit on her former friend, in the first episode.

The episode was called, "Welcome Home, No Spitting," great title right?

Now, St. Louis native Riccarda Lacey, who is the mastermind behind the show is explaining herself and the BAPs show via Facebook.

Her explanations are as follows:

"Here's the tea on #BAPS

1. I created and developed this series because there was a void in the television landscape for AA worlds and characters.

2. I created this show fully knowing that the BAP contingent of the African-American population is a polarizing group and that a series about this group would be provocative and controversial because BAPs are both reviled and revered.

3. The subject of cultural identity typically stirs up an emotionally charged dialogue among African-Americans. And the BAPS, from my vantage point, wrestle the most with their cultural identity: they should assimilate and adopt white American ideals while maintaining roots in their black identity... yet they can't be 'too' black. This rather complex BAP ideology is what makes some other African-Americans resent them and, at times, makes the BAPs resent themselves. This series, with all of its drama, humor and irony examines that.

4. This series is not a part of some larger scheme concocted by Lifetime to continue to exploit African-Americans on reality television. But it is an entertaining dissection of African-American experiences and attitudes intended to encourage all Americans to consider how the constructs of race and class in this country shape how we view ourselves and one another.

5. It's a TV show for Pete's sake. It's out there to be judged- good or bad so if you love it or hate it, that's fine- everything ain't for everybody. I just wanted to provide some context for the many folks out there asking "what in the hell?"

An all new BAPs, titled Life in the BAP Lane, airs at 9 p.m. Wednesday on Lifetime.

The description of the second episode is as follows: "Anisha hosts a dinner party for the BAPs as a way to heal old wounds, but new wounds are opened when Kendrick and Anisha disagree over what to do about Kendrick's niece, Rai Rai. Meanwhile, Jason and Gina invite Anisha to join them on a radio show to 'discuss' the BAPs lifestyle -- though 'arguing' is more Anisha's style."

MStars News wants to hear from you, what do you think about the new show, BAPs?