During episode 2 of All Stars 4, we saw Janelle remove herself from the game. After losing Car Sick, she was in a compromising position and she was likely going into the Arena, but it seemed she’d accepted that fate.
She announced her plan to go into the elimination and was immediately met with criticism by Ayanna, which was a bit odd. Statistically, there was a 66% chance Janelle would be voted into the Arena. But, Ayanna insisted she wouldn’t do Janelle a favor without getting something in return.
Janelle also didn’t request a specific opponent, but Ayanna lied and told everyone Janelle was targeting Jasmine.
Understandably, Janelle was upset, but people quickly recognized that Ayanna was being manipulative. It didn’t seem like Ayanna’s strategy had a lot of support from the group, so why did people get so mad?
When the season was filming, 15 months ago, Gamer revealed the argument was much more controversial. Apparently, Ayanna was discussing real-world issues involving race, politics, and mental health. Jasmine also alluded to this.
Gamer also implied that Leroy, Kam, and Brandon were targeted in this argument.
We don’t see this on the show, but the added context explains why Janelle felt it was necessary to leave such a “toxic” environment. It also sheds light on why Leroy got so upset, why we see Brandon calling Ayanna’s behavior “foul,” and the reason Kam’s opinion of Ayanna changed.
While this isn’t the best gameplay and other people were understandably upset, Ayanna does deserve a little grace. Shortly before the season started filming, Ayanna was invested in seeking justice for a teenager who was wrongfully murdered in her community. Sadly, some of her feelings may have carried onto All Stars 4.
This is still just a game, but it’s sad to see Janelle felt so uncomfortable in the situation. Assuming those topics were really discussed, it’s understandable that she’d want to leave the game because character attacks can have very negative repercussions. But, it is just a game. While I don’t support Ayanna’s method of playing it, she’s fighting another battle right now, and sending her more negativity won’t help anything.
UPDATE: Jemmye reached out to Janelle and briefly shared some surface-level comments about the argument (at the 39:22 mark). Apparently, Ayanna questioned Janelle’s “Blackness” and called Janelle racist. This is a very complex issue, especially for Janelle, who’s mixed. This is why many other people, particularly Black cast members, were impacted by the discussion. Jemmye also believes most people sided with Janelle but tried to extend compassion to Ayanna.
Receipts:
Stop Being Polite 
And we see that life has a way of handling things. I hope after this cancer she battled, that her ways have changed.
Ayanna’s racial remarks should had her removed from the show. Uncalled for and inappropriate. Her issue she was having before going into the house doesn’t give her the right to be ugly.