When you reach celebrity status, everything you do is inspected under a microscope. And while in many cases, our Black stars face unjust scrutiny, a lot of them have it coming more times than we can count.
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We’re not talking about folks who no longer make good music; we’re also not discussing people who have changed their appearances over time. This list is strictly for the Black entertainers, politicians and church leaders who have disappointed us big time in harmful ways. From Bishop Eddie Long’s sex abuse scandal to Nicki Minaj turning MAGA in real time, here’s a list of celebrities who have forced the Black community to take a serious and heartfelt look at their legacies and contributions to society.
Ben Carson
Ben Carson rose to prominence after being the first surgeon to conjoined twins in 1987. Then, the Black man was a hero in the Black community, with millions of kids aspiring to be like him. Over the next few decades, Carson remained a pillar in the Black community, so when he launched a presidential bid in 2015 against President Donald Trump, Black folks– who generally vote Democrat– were a little confused but supportive.
But more than just running as a Republican, Carson’s failed presidential campaign landed him in good graces with Trump, who eventually named him the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in 2017. Now, the Black community see Carson as a sellout, who chose Trump and MAGA over the plight of Black America.
LeBron James
Since the beginning of NBA legend LeBron James’ career, he’s had the full support of the Black community. Not only has he proven himself to be a sports icon his commitment to Black issues certainly added extra points in many Black folks’ mind.
James’ knack for politics even caught the attention of right-wing commentators who told him to “shut up and dribble” for criticizing President Donald Trump in 2018. Fast forward to now, and James is facing critiques from Black people who are disappointed in his alleged shift from Black issues.
Most recently, James has been dragged over a recent Nike collaboration honoring MLK Day. The shoes– called “Honor the King–” are modeled after the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
Diddy
After years of allegations, conspiracies, a messy trial and a 50 Cent documentary, it’s safe to say that the Black community is sick of Sean “Diddy” Combs. The disgraced hip-hop mogul fell from grace after dozens of lawsuits and a federal case landed him in prison for prostitution.
We previously told you his ex-girlfriend and singer, Cassie Ventura first sued Diddy alleging he abused her for years. He settled the lawsuit within 48 hours. this, of course snowballed into tons of lawsuits from Diddy’s previous girlfriends, employees and colleagues all accusing Diddy of sexual and physical abuse. Even after being found guilty last July, the rapper still faces several lawsuits.
Stephen A. Smith
Over the last few months, sports commentator Stephen A. Smith has been facing criticism for his political takes. Smith’s controversial takes on former Vice President Kamala Harris and the entire Democratic party already had Black Americans giving side eyes. If you’ll remember, folks dragged Smith admitted to regretting his vote for VP Harris. He has also been critical of Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, we previously told you.
Widely speaking, Smith is one of the leading voices in Black media, so Black Americans want him to be responsible with his platform. Too often, however, he misses the mark. Still, Smith’s legacy in sports and within the Black community matters.
Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj has been rubbing folks the wrong way since she stepped into the rap game. In 2010, she was criticized for not giving the proper respect and flowers to her idols. Fast forward to recent years when she’s been accusing newer female rappers like Megan Thee Stallion, Latto and Cardi B of not properly respecting her.
But outside of the rap beefs, Minaj has doubled down on her support for President Trump and his MAGA movement. We previously told you all about her December appearance with Erika Kirk and Turning Point USA. The rapper also raised flags after praising Trump’s handling of the Christian genocide in Nigeria– which experts say doesn’t exist. Her shocking and disappointing behavior has even resulting in a global petition to deport her. It has over 61,000 signatures.
Lil Wayne
Completing the Young Money trio is Lil Wayne, who also finds himself on this list for shading remarks he’s made in the past. In 2016, he denounced the Black Lives Matter movement saying he doesn’t feel connected to BLM at all. He called the movement “weird” before adding his status as a rich Black man absolves him from racism altogether.
Fast forward to 2020 and Wayne met with President Trump to discuss criminal justice reform and the Black community’s needs. Critics saw Wayne’s meeting as a betrayal, especially since the president previously made harmful comments about Black people. In 2021, Trump pardoned Lil Wayne, who was facing a 10-year bid.
Kanye West
No one could’ve predicted that the same person who gave us “Graduation” in 2007 is the same one spewing anti-Black, antisemitic and pro-nazi rhetoric. Kanye West has arguably damaged his legacy with years of his “slavery was a choice” comment and MAGA hat-wearing behavior.
Last year, the “Jesus Walks” rapper tweeted calling himself a “nazi,” expressing his love for Adolf Hitler. Ye also confirmed he does have “DOMINION” over his wife, Bianca Censori, and even went as far as to beg President Trump to free Diddy while he was awaiting trial for sex trafficking.
R. Kelly
When singer R. Kelly was arrested on sex trafficking charges, the Black community was split. On one hand, the allegations– including sex abuse against minors and prostitution— against the “I Believe I Can Fly” singer was horrific and unimaginable. But on the other, Kelly’s dark secrets were already on display decades before.
Legal documents show Kelly married singer Aaliyah in 1994– 25 years before he was arrest for sexual abuse. The singer was also sued by multiple women alleging underage sex and abuse by Kelly. His 30-year prison sentence was the culmination of decades of accusations and video evidence, which all equals huge disappointment from Black folks everywhere.
Still, Kelly maintains a small and dedicated fanbase, and there’s a huge possibility you’ll hear “Ignition (Remix)” or “Step in the Name of Love” at somebody’s function.
Bishop Eddie Long
The shocking case of Bishop Eddie Long rocked the Atlanta community in 2010. Long had grown New Baptist Church in the city from a congregation of 300 to a whopping 25,000. He’d built a strong reputation nationally as a powerful and trustworthy faith leader… Until he was accused of sexual abuse by four young men.
The accusers– Spencer LaGrande, Jamal Parris, Maurice Robinson and Anthony Flagg– each filed civil lawsuits accusing Long of using his position in the church to coerce them into sexual acts, NPR reported. In 2011, Long settled the lawsuits for an undisclosed amount. He never admitted to any wrongdoing. Still, his reputation in the Black Church and greater Atlanta community was virtually destroyed.
He died in 2017.
Raven-Symone
We’d be remiss to not acknowledge that compared to several others on this list, actress Raven-Symone is a star student. However, we can’t let her past comments slide!
In 2015, the “Cheetah Girls” star suggested she wouldn’t hire someone with a “Black name” like “Watermelondrea” during an episode on “The View.” The comment, while meant to be a realistic view on job discrimination– according to her at least– came off as racist and anti-Black. Folks rightfully called the actress out for having an “ethnic” name herself.
The year before that, she had already caught heat for declaring she’s not African American. “I am an American. I am not an African American,” Raven-Symone told Oprah Winfrey in 2014. The remarks sparked outrage from Black folks accusing her of denouncing her Black roots.
The actress clarified 10 years later saying, “When I say that African American does not align with me, that label, it doesn’t mean that I’m negating my Blackness or I’m not Black.” She continued, “It means I am from this country, I was born here, my mom, my dad, my great-great-great-great-great — and that’s what I’m saying. The pure logistics of it,” she explained.
Marvin Sapp
All the mess surrounding Gospel star Marvin Sapp began when he spoke to a crowd of about 2,000 church goers. We previously told you, Sapp repeatedly asked folks in the crowd and viewers watching through livestream to “sow a seed” of $20, but what really caught people off guard is when he told ushers to close the doors to the congregation while they collect the money– which better equal $40,000.
After the backlash, Sapp responded, “To those unfamiliar with the church context or who may not regularly attend worship gatherings this has been misinterpreted as holding people hostage as well as offensive. That was never my intent,” Sapp said. He went on to explain donating money in a church setting is often a “vulnerable” time for folks and almost “risky,” which is why so many people were disappointed by the way Sapp allegedly abused the sacredness of the space.
Keke Palmer
Much like Raven-Symone, actress Keke Palmer is still well-loved in the Black community… But she sure is pushing it. Palmer has been facing backlash for recently collaborating with Black celebrities facing shocking abuse allegations, we told you. Considering that the child star has been open about her own domestic abuse, many Black people continue to call out the “Bottoms Up” singer for platforming folks like rapper Blueface and actor Jonathan Majors.
Before that, Palmer also was criticized for professing her love and adoration for R. Kelly in the midst of the criminal allegations against him. Still, Palmer continues to be a leading voice in the entertainment industry, which means Black folks will continue to cheer her on!
Drake
If anyone had a bad year in 2024, it was certainly Drake. When Kendrick Lamar– and most of the hip-hop community– challenged the Canadian to a rap battle, many expected Drake to dominate, citing past beefs with Pusha T and Meek Mill. Instead, Lamar dropped “Not Like Us” and silenced any opinions on who the better rapper is.
Before K. Dot dropped the song of the summer, all of his diss tracks aimed at Drake called the “God’s Plan” rapper for cultural appropriation, disloyalty, being a bad father and even disrespecting past musical icons. After having the entire world scream “A minorrrrrrrr” for all of 2024, Lamar won five Grammys and performed at the Super Bowl… Ouch, that had to hurt Drake.
So yes, the Black community is disappointed to Drake and very proud of Kendrick Lamar. Still, the 6 God isn’t known for staying down too long. He later dropped “Nokia,” a club favorite proving he is still on top of the Billboard charts.
Snoop Dogg
We previously reported on Snoop Dogg responded to critics after he performed at the 2025 Crypto Ball, an event celebrating Trump’s inauguration. Snoop responded to the outrage saying, “For all that hate, I’m going to answer with love. Y’all can’t hate enough on me. I love too much. Get your life right, stop worrying about mine. I’m cool, I’m together. Still a Black man, still 100 percent Black.”
Still, folks were disappointed in his flippant attitude and refusal to address Trump’s hurtful comments against his community.
Nelly
Like Snoop, Nelly caught flak after performing at the 2025 Crypto Ball. Nelly responded to the criticsm by doublign down on his choice. “This is not me telling you, ‘Yo, you should vote for this candidate.’ I think you should do your homework and figure out what best helps you and the people who you love and you provide for because I’m clueless on a lot of things when it gets down to it,” he said.
Bill Cosby
In 2018, years of accusations against TV dad Bill Cosby came to a head when he was convicted of assaulting Andrea Constand, but that conviction was overturned in 2021 by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. In 2022, a jury also found him responsible for sexually abusing Judy Huth in the ’70s. She was awarded $500,000. Cosby maintains his innocence, but like others on this list, his reputation and respect in the Black community was surely damaged after he was sent to prison.
Michael Jordan
NBA legend Michael Jordan has never been a political guy. In fact, that’s partially why he made this list. He has a long history of staying silent on racial issues, even when directly asked. In the ’90s, Jordan rubbed Black folks the wrong way when he dropped a “Republicans buy sneakers, too” advertisement while also refusing to endorse a Black political candidate.
In recent years, he’s changed a little bit, however. Jordan condemned racism and even pledged $100 million to Black organizations citing police brutality issues.
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