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
Scary On-Air Incident During News Broadcast Finally Explained

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

Black America Must Know The Terrifying Success of Project 2025

Black America Must Know The Terrifying Success of Project 2025

We’re taking a deep dive into Project 2025, and how President Trump is already reshaping Black America just over a year into his second term …
These Black Celebs Showed Up and Out at the 2026 Time Women of the Year Gala

These Black Celebs Showed Up and Out at the 2026 Time Women of the Year Gala

Teyana Taylor, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Queen Latifah were among the Black women who attended the 2026 Time Women of the Year gala …
Why Ari Lennox Admitting She Chose the Toxic Man Over the Good Guy Has the Internet in Shambles

Why Ari Lennox Admitting She Chose the Toxic Man Over the Good Guy Has the Internet in Shambles

Singer Ari Lennox’s latest dating revelation has social media in an uproar. Let’s break down why! …
Terrence Howard Claims He Passed on Beyoncé—And the Internet Reacted Exactly How You Expected

Terrence Howard Claims He Passed on Beyoncé—And the Internet Reacted Exactly How You Expected

“Hustle & Flow” star Terrence Howard says he once had a chance with Beyoncé in during her days of Destiny’s Child—but chose a short-lived, “blue-eyed” bandmate instead, sparking some thoughts online …
The 400-Day Target Boycott Was More Effective Than You Think

The 400-Day Target Boycott Was More Effective Than You Think

According to Pastor Jamal Bryant, Target has met three of four of the boycott’s original demands. Here’s exactly what that means …
Misty Copeland Drags Timothée Chalamet For Comments About Ballet and Opera

Misty Copeland Drags Timothée Chalamet For Comments About Ballet and Opera

American Ballet Theater dancer Misty Copeland has entered the chat and is calling out Timothée Chalamet over his recent negative words about the art form …
Photo: Getty Images Jason LaVeris, Michael Montfort, TIMOTHY A. CLARY

What Happened to the Careers of These Black Oscar Winners?

Winning an Oscar has the potential to make or break an actor’s career. Now, we’re looking deeper into their stories …
Professor On Jalen Rose Saying NBA Has a 'Residue or Slavery'

Professor On Jalen Rose Saying NBA Has a ‘Residue or Slavery’

The outrage over his slavery comment misses the deeper issue of who controls the wealth created by Black athletes …
Ex-NFL Star Asked ChatGPT for Advice After Allegedly Doing the Unthinkable to His Fiancée

Ex-NFL Star Asked ChatGPT for Advice After Allegedly Doing the Unthinkable to His Fiancée

Prosecutors say ex-NFL star Darron Lee used an unconventional method to try to cover up his fiancée’s “especially heinous” murder last month …
Why There's Drama Between Janet Jackson and the New Michael Jackson Movie

Why There’s Drama Between Janet Jackson and the New Michael Jackson Movie

As fans eagerly anticipate the new Michael Jackson biopic, there’s seemingly some trouble brewing between his family over the film. Here’s what we know …
The Target Boycott Is Over, but the Fight Isn't: Leaders Reveal Progress and Work Ahead

The Target Boycott Is Over, but the Fight Isn’t: Leaders Reveal Progress and Work Ahead

The Root spoke exclusively with Pastor Jamal Bryant, Tamika Mallory and Nina Turner about how the Black community held a major corporation accountable …
After 12-year-old Girl Dies Following School Bus Fight, Her family Is Searching for Answers

After 12-year-old Girl Dies Following School Bus Fight, Her family Is Searching for Answers

Jada West reportedly experienced bullying before a fight with another girl led to her untimely death …
Shonda Rhimes Just Revealed the Tragic Event That Inspired ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

Shonda Rhimes Just Revealed the Tragic Event That Inspired ‘Grey’s Anatomy’

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ may be beloved and invoke positive feelings, but the show itself was inspired by an extremely tragic incident …
Black Americans Respond to Possible Boots on the Ground as Iran Conflict Rages Forward

Black Americans Respond to Possible Boots on the Ground as Iran Conflict Rages Forward

Black folks woke up on the last day of Black History Month to military strikes in Iran. Now, they’re voicing frustrations as questions about ground troops arise …
Former Black Inmate Makes History as First Ever in U.S. to Buy a Prison Facility

Former Black Inmate Makes History as First Ever in U.S. to Buy a Prison Facility

Kerwin Pittman becomes the first formerly incarcerated Black man to buy a U.S. prison, transforming a site of confinement into a reentry campus …
Full Timeline of Dwight Howard and Amy Luciani's Rocky 14-Month Marriage Now Headed to Divorce

Full Timeline of Dwight Howard and Amy Luciani’s Rocky 14-Month Marriage Now Headed to Divorce

Folks online who followed Dwight Howard and Amy Luciani’s marriage say its been rocky early on before Howard filed for divorce. Here’s the full rundown …
NBA Shuts Down Atlanta Hawks' 'Magic City Monday' Promotion, Black Twitter Responds

NBA Shuts Down Atlanta Hawks’ ‘Magic City Monday’ Promotion, Black Twitter Responds

The NBA canceled the Atlanta Hawks’ collab with the popular strip club after growing backlash …
Lil Baby is Trying to Save His Atlanta Neighborhood, One Property at a Time

Lil Baby is Trying to Save His Atlanta Neighborhood, One Property at a Time

After gentrification pushed thousands of Black folks out of historic Atlanta neighborhoods, rapper Lil Baby returns to his stomping grounds with a new business plan …
Smoothie King Fired Staff Who Refused MAGA Couple Service— But Here’s the Ironic Double Standard Everyone is Missing

Smoothie King Fired Staff Who Refused MAGA Couple Service— But Here’s the Ironic Double Standard Everyone is Missing

Two Michigan Smoothie King workers were canned after refusing service to pro-Trump customers, meanwhile, Black folks are calling out a double standard …
Howard University Athletes Take a Stand Against New Kneeling Policy for the National Anthem

Howard University Athletes Take a Stand Against New Kneeling Policy for the National Anthem

Since 2020, athletes at Howard University have kneeled to protest the national anthem. Now, a new policy banning kneeling is causing trouble …