13 Black Beloved Celebs Who Can Be Stank When They Want To Be

From Doja Cat to Damon Dash, these celebs have a repeated pattern of keeping fans on their toes with less-than-favorable moments.

Let’s be real: everybody has their out of touch moments. A side-eye here, a brush-off there — we’ve all slipped into less-than-favorable interactions. But for some celebs, “stank” has gone from a one-off mood to a full-on reputation. It’s not that they’re villains or horrible people, but fans can’t help noticing a pattern that makes them clutch their pearls a little harder. So who’s serving star power with a side of stank? Turns out, the list is longer than you might expect.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Social Media Split After Bishop T.D. Jakes Retires from The Potter’s House

From diva behavior to flat-out disrespectful situations, these stars have earned a reputation for moments that leave fans talking.

Doja Cat

@michelletok

Doja Cat calls out a fan who made her uncomfortable after meeting outside a bar last night. I don’t think Doja’s delivery is always perfect, but I do think fans need to stop touching celebrities without consent. Leave your thoughts below! 👇

♬ original sound – michelle

After the superstar labeled her most supportive fans “creepy,” per Page Six, and teased fans for falling for her “cash grab” albums, she went viral being friendly in a fan’s face and later calling him “musty” on social media. According to fans, the star’s track record for having less-than-favorable interactions certainly cements a shady reputation.

Chris Rock

(Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images for Netflix)

According to fans, there was certainly a reason Chris Rock was slapped by fellow actor Will Smith. Black folks feel he has no issue cooning, and spends way too much time coming for Black women — Jada Pinkett Smith included. Fans also dragged the comedian for laughing along with Louis C.K. when he used the N-word without backlash, per USA Today.

Lil Wayne

(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

“Best Rapper Alive” Lil Wayne took folks off guard when he said he had no idea what “Black Lives Matter” even was, and also claimed “racism was over” due to his independent experiences with White Folks, per Rap Up. Needless to say, fans were put off by his crass perspective.

Azealia Banks

At this point, Azealia Banks is so well-known for her verbal smoke that no one is safe, per Billboard. From Nicki Minaj to Lizzo, we fully expect her to cross the line every single time — harsh insults, and low blows included.

Doechii

Whew, beloved rap singer Doechii made headlines after her first-ever Met Gala appearance for being — you guessed it — stank. The viral musician was accused of mistreating her team, as she was heard scathing backstage about her look, and “umbrellas.” Lord.

T.I.

@creolekisses

T.I. ROASTS BOUNCER AFTER BEING DENIED ENTRY FOR NOT HAVING AN ID IN AUSTIN TEXAS JOIN the #DiaryGang for More Urban Culture Related Content.. 🎥: @CreolekissesDiaryTv • • • #creolekissesdiarytv #creolekisses #fyp #foryoupage #hiphopnews #celebritynews #celebrity #capcut #viral #media #explore #reels #tipharris #tiharris #creolekisses #tinyharris #grandhustle #roast #clubbouncers #austin #revelry

♬ original sound – Creolekisses

Last year, T.I. went viral roasting a door man for not letting him into a venue — without I.D. While he felt his star power could replace identification, fans weren’t on board with his behavior, per XXL. The rapper’s reality series, “T.I & Tiny: The Family Hustle” exposed what fans deem “controlling” behavior toward his wife, Tiny, adding a layer to his perceived “stank” persona.

Jonathan Majors

(Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

“Creed” star Jonathan Majors — who was convicted in 2023 of misdemeanor assault and harassment, per PBS — took harsh criticism after what fans perceived as a “redemption tour,” without taking any accountability. Things got worse when he compared Meagan Good to Coretta Scott King, without realizing the fans’ perception of the comparison.

Tyler Perry

(Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

Now we appreciate our Black mega filmmakers, however Tyler Perry has a reputation for being fiercely rigid, and controlling on set. Perry and his studio were called out for allegedly running a hostile work environment, in addition to a plethora of reported workplace issues, per the Hollywood Reporter.

Michael Jordan

I guess being obsessed with winning comes with its own set of personal challenges, and legendary athlete Michael Jordan is a shining example. Jordan is known for his relentless trash talking and reported psychological warfare with teammates. Scottie Pippen — who urged that he was a “horrible” player — in his opinion, “ruined the game of basketball,” per Yahoo Sports.

50 Cent

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Whether trolling Diddy’s trial or boxing champ Floyd Mayweather, rap icon 50 Cent’s stank is unmatched, and he never holds back in a public feud. While his antics are all in good fun, they’ve contributed to this reputation, even if those close to him describe him as loyal and generous behind the scenes.

Gabrielle Union

“Bring It On” actress Gabrielle Union has admitted to getting knee-deep into some serious “mean girl” behavior, revealing that fierce Hollywood competition fueled her toxic energy. Her self-described “mean, vindictive, and hateful person” changed when a friend called her out, and she’s learned her lesson since!

Beyoncé

Aside from Destiny’s Child era Beyoncé (as “Somebody can send yo’ luggage” to ex-member Farrah plays in my head), the “Cowboy Carter” star isn’t generally considered a mean girl. That said, her mother Tina Knowles once joked that Bey can be ”really mean” backstage during high-stress events. And honestly, with 1.6 million tickets sold, we get it.

“After we’ll get off she’ll say ‘Mama, I’m so sorry,’” Knowles revealed, adding that she totally understands the heat of the moment. “If somebody’s messing up or they lose the shoes, then you mess up the whole show,” she explained. “So I understand it.”

Jay-Z

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Let’s just say rap legend Jay-Z isn’t known for his niceness. The hip-hop icon scolded the Grammy Awards on national TV, criticizing the academy for repeatedly snubbing his wife. And when Rihanna thanked him in her 2008 Grammy acceptance speech, he had zero reaction. Combined with his introverted demeanor, fans have often labeled him standoffish.

Damon Dash

@thejasminebrand

#DamonDash had plenty to get off his chest during AND after his Breakfast Club interview. 👀 While speaking with the hosts, Dame zeroed in on #Charlamagne Tha God, calling him “gay” and sharing, “I don’t think you’re the proper representation of the masculine Black men.” The tension only escalated from there, with Dame even threatening to punch Charlamagne in the face. Luckily, it never turned physical, but after the interview aired, Dame took to Instagram to share one final message, writing: “Charlemagne, I would advise you not to make up phony sources without real names saying that anything I said was not true, or we will have a legal problem. Don’t try to compromise my reputation. I have proof to support everything I say that will stand up in any court.” 🎥: The Breakfast Club

♬ original sound – The Jasmine Brand

Damon Dash — known for his brash, albeit rude demeanor — told Charlamagne tha God and DJ Envy they were poor representations of “masculine men.” He’s spent years clowning folks for having a job, and seemingly didn’t think twice about the late star’s reputation when he nicknamed his new artist a “White lesbian Aaliyah.”

Mariah Carey

(Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Apple Music)

British journalist Kate Garraway alleged that the star “had two people to lower her onto the GMTV sofa,” and that she had someone from her entourage “walk in front of her backwards at all times in case she fell over,” per OK Magazine. From “I don’t have a Birthday” — dismissing the passing of time — to “I don’t know her,” regarding Jennifer Lopez, this proves that for her, it’s all in a day’s work.


Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

2026 Actor Awards: Black Star's Best and Worst Red Carpet Looks

2026 Actor Awards: Black Star’s Best and Worst Red Carpet Looks

From Damson Idris to Sheryl Lee Ralph, check out some of the best and worst red carpet looks from our favorite Black stars! …
Best Red Carpet Looks of the 2026 NAACP Image Awards

Best Red Carpet Looks of the 2026 NAACP Image Awards

A closer look at the fashion and significance of the 57th annual ceremony featuring Salt-N-Pepa, Colman Domingo, and more …
You’ll Never Guess What 1990s Halle Berry Film Inspired Iman Shumpert to Invest in Uber

You’ll Never Guess What 1990s Halle Berry Film Inspired Iman Shumpert to Invest in Uber

Iman Shumpert opened up on ‘Club Shay Shay’ about how a ’90s Black film inspired him to invest early in Uber — and what he learned after cashing out too soon …
'Sinners' Star Jayme Lawson Breaks Silence Over BAFTA N-Word Incident

‘Sinners’ Star Jayme Lawson Breaks Silence Over BAFTA N-Word Incident

“Sinners” actress Jayme Lawson broke down why the BBC’s failure to censor the 2026 BAFTA broadcast was “careless” and lacked protection for Black talent …
Latino Man Threatens To Call Trump On Black Family For Being At Their Home

Latino Man Threatens To Call Trump On Black Family For Being At Their Home

After a Latino man harassed a Black family for moving into the neighborhood, social media is pointing out that Black folks will always be the most targeted by White Supremacy …
2026 NAACP Image Awards Best Moments and Surprises

2026 NAACP Image Awards Best Moments and Surprises

The 57th annual NAACP Image Awards went off without a hitch and was truly home to some much-needed blackity-black surprises and highlights! Let’s get into it! …
Why the 2026 Awards Season Is So Exciting for Black People

Why the 2026 Awards Season Is So Exciting for Black People

Withv the 2026 NAACP Image Awards, the Actor Awards (f.k.a. the SAG Awards) happening back to back to close out February and welcome in March, respectively, and then the Oscars on March 15—let’s take a quick look back on some of this seasons Blackest moments …
The 5 Saddest Revelations About Lamar Odom's Addiction

The 5 Saddest Revelations About Lamar Odom’s Addiction

Two-time NBA champion Lamar Odom has a storied relationship with substance addiction. He digs into it all in a new documentary …
We All Hate Tipping Culture, But Did You Know It's Rooted in Slavery?

We All Hate Tipping Culture, But Did You Know It’s Rooted in Slavery?

Wealthy American started the tipping culture in the mid-1800s, beginning a restaurant culture that remains steeped in the roots of slavery …
New Development After White NYC College Professor Makes Racist Comments on Work Zoom When She Thought She Was on Mute

New Development After White NYC College Professor Makes Racist Comments on Work Zoom When She Thought She Was on Mute

Allyson Friedman has identified herself as the college professor caught spewing racist language during a virtual council meeting …
A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd's Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas' Death

A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd’s Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas’ Death

D4vd was named a “target” in the investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas. Now, we’re catching you up on everything you might’ve missed until now …
Teyana Taylor Just Hit Another <i>Major</i> Milestone

Teyana Taylor Just Hit Another Major Milestone

Teyana Taylor keeps cementing her status in Hollywood and this year’s awards season. And this latest accomplishment from TIME Magazine is further proof of that! …
Black Folks Respond to the Clintons' Epstein Testimonies, and Phew!

Black Folks Respond to the Clintons’ Epstein Testimonies, and Phew!

After President Bill Clinton was named in the Epstein files, him and his wife were called before Congress …
Chicago Woman Smiles in Mugshot After Allegedly Killing Uber Driver During Carjacking—But It Gets Worse

Chicago Woman Smiles in Mugshot After Allegedly Killing Uber Driver During Carjacking—But It Gets Worse

Montoya Perry allegedly carjacked an Uber driver in Chicago, killing him as she fled. It’s what she allegedly did after some are calling sinister …
Black Experts Reveal Maternal Health Secrets You Need To Know

Black Experts Reveal Maternal Health Secrets You Need To Know

Exclusive: Experts At 5th Annual Day of Reckoning Conference in Birmingham Reveal Maternal Health Secrets You Must Know …
Expert Breaks Down How Trump Has Skated the Law for His MAGA Agenda in His Second Term

Expert Breaks Down How Trump Has Skated the Law for His MAGA Agenda in His Second Term

A foreign policy expert explains the consequences of institutions failing to check Trump as he celebrates one year in office …
A Nebraska Doctor Opens Her Home and Her Heart to a Black Child in Need

A Nebraska Doctor Opens Her Home and Her Heart to a Black Child in Need

A Nebraska anesthesiologist went out of her way to help a patient with a congenital heart condition …
Why Gov. Gavin Newsom's Latest Statements Could Be His Political Suicide

Why Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Latest Statements Could Be His Political Suicide

Gavin Newsom’s recent remarks upset quite a few folks, including many liberals accusing the governor of spewing Republican talking points …
Lupita Nyong'o Wants to Talk About Uterine Fibroids, Here's Why We Should Listen

Lupita Nyong’o Wants to Talk About Uterine Fibroids, Here’s Why We Should Listen

Actress Lupita Nyong’o is sharing her personal experience to raise awareness around the issue of fibroids in women …
More Devastating News About Black Hair Extensions and  Health Risks

More Devastating News About Black Hair Extensions and Health Risks

Braid wearers assume human hair and “non-toxic” synthetic braiding hair are safe options, but a Consumer Reports study showed that they, too, come with risk …