Raygun’s Dismal Olympic ‘Breaking’ Performance, Remembering Florence Griffith-Joyner, The Most Beautiful Black Women Track Stars at 2024 Paris Olympics, Barack Obama’s Summer Playlist And More Culture Stories

A roundup of the week’s most popular culture stories.

How The Hell Did Rachael Gunn Even Make it to the Paris Olympics?! Here’s The Tea

Australia’s Rachael Gunn, known as Raygun competes in the Women’s Breaking dance Round robin of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at La Concorde in Paris, on August 9, 2024 Photo: Getty Images ODD ANDERSEN

Controversy swarmed Rachael “Raygun” Gunn after a bizarre performance led to her literally scoring all zeros from Olympic judges. The so-called Australian breakdancer was criticized by Black folks who said she “mocked” the Black art form. Even singer Adele had to stop her Munich show to laugh at what she called “the best thing that’s happened in the Olympics.” – Phenix S Halley Read More

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Meet Tiffanie Barriere: The Drinking Coach Making History at the NYSE

Remembering Florence Griffith-Joyner, The Fastest Woman In the World

Photo: Getty Images Tony Duffy/Allsport

Florence Griffith-Joyner is one of the most dynamic athletes of our time. Her domination on the track is a legend that very few modern sprinters can live up to. It wasn’t just that she was the fastest woman in the world, it was her one of a kind style, timeless beauty and star presence that set her apart from other sports stars. As the world recovers from the spectacular competitions we saw at the 2024 Paris Olympics and wonder which athletes will become the next big breakout stars, we’re exploring the career of one of the most awe inspiring, unforgettable women in history. These are Florence Griffith-Joyner’s most memorable moments. – Stephanie Holland Read More

Why Black Folks Believe Australian ‘Breaking Professor’ and the Entire Olympic Competition Mocked the Black Art Form

Photo: Getty Images Ezra Shaw

While there was no shortage of laughter and jokes in the Black community after the debut of breaking in the Paris Olympics, there were just as many critics who had smoke for the competition — specifically surrounding the performance of Australian b-girl Rachael “Raygun” Gunn after learning of her background. – Noah A. McGee Read More

The Most Beautiful Black Women Track Stars at 2024 Paris Olympics

Gabrielle Thomas, of the United States, reacts after crossing the finish line first to win gold in the women’s 200 meters final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, in Saint-Denis, France, on Tuesday, Aug 06, 2024. Photo: Getty Images Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post

While Team USA walked away as the country with the most medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics—the real winners were all the amazingly beautiful and insanely talented Black women in the track and field sport. – Shanelle Genai Read More

Barack Obama Snubs Kendrick Lamar But Has Surprising New and Old School Choices On Famous Playlist

Photo: Getty Images Ethan Miller

Forever POTUS Barack Obama released his highly anticipated summer playlist on Monday (August 12) and of course it contained massive hits. From Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em’” to Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)“ to Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby,” Obama’s taste was once again carefully curated to reflect the musical zeitgeist. – Candace McDuffie Read More

Olympic Breaking Judge Spills the Tea On Controversial Australian Dancer’s Score in Paris

Photo: Getty Images Elsa

Even days after the Paris Olympics ended, people still can’t stop talking about the breaking competition at the Summer Games, especially Rachael “Raygun” Gunn’s bizarre performance. – Noah A. McGee Read More

Simone Biles’ Biological Mother Reveals Her One Wish

Photo: TMZ, Jamie Squire via Getty Images

Amidst the hype of Simone Biles winning four gold medals and one silver from her performances in the 2024 Paris Olympics, one figure from her past has resurfaced with hopes of reconnecting. – Kalyn Womack Read More

Olympic Committee Says Jordan Chiles Must Return Her Bronze Medal, But Internet Says Hell Nah

Photo: Getty Images Lionel BONAVENTURE / AFP

In response to the International Olympic Committee demanding American gymnast Jordan Chiles return her bronze medal, both U.S. Olympic officials and the internet said they ain’t having it. – Branson Brooks, Kalyn Womack Read More

Angel Reese Tried To Recruit Gabby Williams to Chicago Sky And This Is What Happened

Photo: Getty Images Alex Slitz

Just like the rest of us, Chicago Sky star Angel Reese witnessed the United States women’s basketball team become victorious over France 67-66 in the gold medal match on Sunday (August 11). It’s just the latest chapter for America in the 2024 Paris Olympics. – Candace McDuffie Read More

Jordan Chiles Finally Speaks Out on ‘Devastating’ Olympic Medal Stripping

Photo: Getty Images Naomi Baker

Updated 8/15/2024 at 3:33 p.m. ET

As the controversy continues to swirl around her bronze medal in the floor exercise final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Jordan Chiles is speaking out on the situation. On Thursday, she released a statement on social media where she thanked her supporters and asserted her belief that “the people in control will do the right thing.” – Stephanie Holland Read More

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

13 Times Stephen A. Smith Disappointed Black Folks

13 Times Stephen A. Smith Disappointed Black Folks

Before Stephen A. Smith gets serious about a potential 2028 presidential run, he still has to answer for these shocking and disappointing incidents …
Black Stars Who Slayed on the 2026 American Black Film Festival Honors Red Carpet

Black Stars Who Slayed on the 2026 American Black Film Festival Honors Red Carpet

From the Oscar nominees like Ryan Coogler to veterans like Vivica A. Fox, check out some of our faves who slayed on the ABFF 2026 red carpet! …
Exclusive: Bakari Sellers Reflects on the Passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson

Exclusive: Bakari Sellers Reflects on the Passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson

CNN political contributor Bakari Sellers shared his thoughts on the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson exclusively with The Root …
The Best and Worst TikTok Theories About Beyoncé's Upcoming 'Act III' Album

The Best and Worst TikTok Theories About Beyoncé’s Upcoming ‘Act III’ Album

Thanks to Beyoncé’s recent photo dump on social media, many fans are pointing to it as potential clues for her next musical act. Let’s get into all of the best and worst breakdowns! …
Sherrone Moore May Get A Break After Judge Orders Hearing After Having Concerns His 'Due Process May Have Been Violated'

Sherrone Moore May Get A Break After Judge Orders Hearing After Having Concerns His ‘Due Process May Have Been Violated’

Sherrone Moore could have charges dropped if judge finds out his due process was violated. Court hearing scheduled for March 2 …
TikTok Trad Wife Nara Smith's Goes Viral Again -- This Time For Issues With Her House

TikTok Trad Wife Nara Smith’s Goes Viral Again — This Time For Issues With Her House

The East Coast winter storm has TikTok influencer Nara Smith doing a major renovation project on her home …
Whoopi Goldberg Clears Up Epstein Files Confusion

Whoopi Goldberg Clears Up Epstein Files Confusion

Whoopi Goldberg isn’t here for any potential links between her and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. And now she’s providing some much needed clarity! …
How <i>Not</i> To End Up Like Cardi B, Halle Berry or J. Lo: Unlucky in Love Because of Bad Decisions

How Not To End Up Like Cardi B, Halle Berry or J. Lo: Unlucky in Love Because of Bad Decisions

If you want to be happy in love but don’t know how to get there, pull up a chair. It’s time we had a talk …
Kansas State Fires Basketball Coach Over Publicly Trashing His Own Team, But That's Not All

Kansas State Fires Basketball Coach Over Publicly Trashing His Own Team, But That’s Not All

After a blistering criticism of his basketball team, Kansas State has fired basketball head coach, Jerome Tang, for “just cause.” …
CNN's Abby Phillip On Jesse Jackson's Political Legacy

CNN’s Abby Phillip On Jesse Jackson’s Political Legacy

The Root spoke exclusively with CNN’s Abby Phillip about what we can learn from the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s multicultural political movement …
Former Obama Staffers Reveal How Profoundly Trump Blindsided Them in 2016

Former Obama Staffers Reveal How Profoundly Trump Blindsided Them in 2016

Obama and his staff had a perception about Trump leading up to the 2016 presidential election that …
NBA Legend Chris Paul's 5 Dirtiest On-Court Moves

NBA Legend Chris Paul’s 5 Dirtiest On-Court Moves

Retiring after 21 years in the NBA, Chris Paul was widely regarded as one of the dirtiest players in the league …
What NYT Journalists Are Finding in The Epstein Files

What NYT Journalists Are Finding in The Epstein Files

The New York Times staff is poring through millions of pages of documents in the Epstein files. Now four NYT journalists are revealing what they know so far …
'We Were All Rooting For You' ANTM Model Speaks Out!

‘We Were All Rooting For You’ ANTM Model Speaks Out!

‘ANTM’ contestants are breaking their silence after the release of Netflix’s new documentary. Let’s take a look at what they have to say! …
Trump Locks Horns With Maryland Gov. Wes Moore Over This Scary Environmental Disaster

Trump Locks Horns With Maryland Gov. Wes Moore Over This Scary Environmental Disaster

After more than 240 million gallons of sewage spilled into the Potomac River, President Trump is calling out Gov. Wes Moore …
Why Lil Durk's Music Will Play a Huge Role in His Murder-for-Hire Case

Why Lil Durk’s Music Will Play a Huge Role in His Murder-for-Hire Case

A federal judge has just issued his complicated ruling over song lyrics and Instagram DMs connected to Lil Durk’s upcoming trial …
Clifton Powell Crashes Out When Challenged To Be More Accountable To Black Women, Black Twitter Responds

Clifton Powell Crashes Out When Challenged To Be More Accountable To Black Women, Black Twitter Responds

Powell was a part of a round table discussion titled “Black Men Trust Black Women.” …
Exclusive: Raphael Saadiq Opens Up About Being With D'Angelo Days Before His Passing

Exclusive: Raphael Saadiq Opens Up About Being With D’Angelo Days Before His Passing

Oscar-nominee and legendary singer Raphael Saadiq sat down with The Root where he reflected on his deep friendship with the late D’Angelo …
Why Tyra Banks Was Always the <i>Real</i> Problem on 'ANTM'

Why Tyra Banks Was Always the Real Problem on ‘ANTM’

Thanks to Netflix’s new documentary, Tyra Banks’ time as host and producer of ‘America’s Next Top Model’ is getting looked at with fervent scrutiny! Let’s break down why …
Celebs Pay Tribute to The Rev. Jesse Jackson

Celebs Pay Tribute to The Rev. Jesse Jackson

After the shocking news of Rev. Jesse Jackson’s passing, celebrities are sending their condolences to the Jackson family …