In a recent interview, martial artist and actor Michael Jai White opened up about his tumultuous relationship with fellow action star Steven Seagal, revealing how he believes Seagal’s behavior has negatively impacted his career. White, who has collaborated with Seagal on multiple projects, described the actor as unprofessional, egotistical, and even racist.
The two first crossed paths in the early 2000s, but their relationship soured when Seagal publicly disrespected White’s martial arts credentials during an interview in 2012. Seagal’s dismissive comments ignited a long-standing feud, with White now alleging that Seagal’s bullying tactics on set caused significant distress among cast and crew.
White expressed disbelief at Seagal’s inflated self-image, particularly given that Seagal had personally hired him for various roles. “If I’m not a good martial artist, why did he hire me three times?” White questioned. He accused Seagal of fostering a toxic work environment, recounting incidents where Seagal injured stunt performers and disregarded safety protocols during filming.
The fallout from their professional interactions has led to speculation that Seagal’s career has been on a downward spiral, culminating in his relocation to Russia. There are rumors of legal troubles in the U.S., prompting Seagal to seek refuge in a country with no extradition treaty. Additionally, White criticized Seagal for his controversial political stances and participation in Russian propaganda, further tarnishing his public image.
Despite the animosity, White refrained from retaliating against Seagal during their time working together, choosing instead to maintain professionalism. However, he remains critical of Seagal’s character and career choices, emphasizing that true martial artists embody humility and respect—qualities he believes Seagal lacks.
As the industry watches, the stark contrast between White’s rising reputation and Seagal’s declining status serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of arrogance and bullying in Hollywood.
