Let’s be honest: some of our celeb faves aren’t exactly saints. But because they’re ours, we have a tendency to allow some messy things to slide because at the end of the day, we support everybody Black. It’s a complicated kind of loyalty — equal parts pride, protection, and pure delusion. That said, it’s clear they haven’t been at all rocked from their mega star status despite their antics, and while they act out, we just keep on supporting them.
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From icons like Nicki Minaj to Chris Brown to viral social media star Kountry Wayne, we’ve compiled a list of problematic figures we’ve given endless passes to. Because at the end of the day, somebody’s gotta say, “Alright now, you know you wrong…”
Nicki Minaj
Dear Barbz, please don’t come for us. While we respect the “Pink Friday” queen for her legendary contributions to hiphop, folks feel Nicki Minaj has been “going out sad” lately after her fiery exchange with Cardi B. According to fans, she can’t accept the success of other female artists, and needs to seek “mental help.” That said, she’s still topping charts.
Jay-Z and Beyoncé
When Jay-Z and Beyoncé were spotted sitting next to Ivanka Trump at the REFORM Alliance Casino Night and Gala in Atlantic City, accusations that the pair are cozy with MAGA began to fly, per Yahoo. Although their fame continues to be unshakeable, fans are certainly giving them the side-eye and questioning both of their “Black Activist” titles. “Jay-Z is not for Black people, he is for the Republicans,” one fan speculated of the rap icon. We doubt that’s true, but fans are feeling a little funny about the two right now.
Chris Brown
From comments about darker-skinned women to problematic lyrics — and reported abuse allegations, per the Guardian — Chris Brown has been dragged for his problematic actions and views. But still, folks are running up that “Breezy Bowl” tour, because apparently that super star aura is just too strong.
Dr. Dre
From Michel’le’s claims of repeated physical abuse to assaulting TV host Dee Barnes in 1991, Dr. Dre’s past is littered with serious allegations toward women. “It ain’t no big thing. I just threw her through a door,” the producer stated, per ABC. Now, we all know good and well, that ain’t right.
Wendy Williams
Nobody deserves what’s happening to talk show legend and superstar, Wendy Williams. But let’s be real — she pretty much built an empire off other people’s pain, tossing shade like confetti throughout the 90s via WBLS. Her infamous reputation was earned one messy hot topic at a time, and fans still can’t get enough.
Oprah Winfrey
Whether it’s her famous “You get a car!” moment — where folks ended up paying hefty fees on them, giving a platform to controversial self-help gurus, or her African school project that prompted allegations of sexual abuse, per NBC, it’s clear Oprah is willing to stop at nothing to maintain her empire and influence. “If the abuser is any good, you won’t even know it’s happened,” still rubs folks wrong till this day. Needless to say, her stardom is fully in tact.
Kountry Wayne
Kountry Wayne built his brand on “faith and funny,” but somewhere along the line, fans began to see his skits as “wrong on so many levels.” With content leaning on tired, annoying sexist tropes about silly, money-hungry women— viewers are left asking, “Now why was that necessary?” In the above skit, he’s hitting on his son’s girlfriend. Strange… but he’s not cancelled yet!
Keke Palmer
Fans called out Keke Palmer after she cozied up to Offset in a lighthearted interview months after his explosive cheating scandal and misogynistic lyrics made headlines. Plus, that messy back-and-forth with her child’s father began to chip away at her “America’s little sister” image, and folks are noticing.
Montel Williams
While Montel Williams built a career as a respected talk show host and advocate, controversy sparked when multiple women came forward with accusations of sexual misconduct, per Variety. And, after he went viral reportedly urging that Charlie Kirk’s assassin was driven by “emotion” and love, folks were through.
Van Jones
Known for putting his foot in his mouth at this point, Van Jones is certainly no stranger to controversy. Even viral journalist Toure Show went on record wondering, “I wonder who’s paying Van Jones to say that?” after his explosive “dead Gaza baby” rant. Yet, he’s always invited to give his tired opinion and we continued to listen.
Issa Rae
“Awkward Black Girl” stole the hearts of Black folks everywhere, and ever since then fans feel they haven’t been able to speak honestly about their opinions about Issa Rae. Plus, her fallout with “Insecure” co-star Amanda Seales raised questions about her professionalism behind the scenes, but folks just keep on watching!
Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry turned his grind into an empire, but let’s be real — he’s messy too. From leaning on tired stereotypes about Black women to films that endlessly peddle Black struggle, he’s sparked plenty of eye rolls. At this point, fans expect something at least mildly offensive from him, but we still want to know when his next film is going to drop.
Jonathan Majors
Jonathan Majors launched what fans called “an apology tour,” doing multiple interviews to repair his image after being convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment for attacking his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, per NPR. Till today, fans feel it was all an act, but we’re still keeping an eye out for what’s next for the star.
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