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
Confederate Memorial Day Is A Holiday? Here Are 5 States That Celebrate

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

Why Everybody is Suddenly Giving Black Women Their Much-Deserved Flowers!

Why Everybody is Suddenly Giving Black Women Their Much-Deserved Flowers!

From Sterling K. Brown to white folks on TikTok, Black women are finally receiving their flowers for being the backbone of society— and we love to see it …
Black Celebrities With The Best Silk Presses

Black Celebrities With The Best Silk Presses

As folks go crazy over SheaMoisture’s latest commercial featuring their silk press line, we’re highlighting some of the best celeb silk presses in the game …
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 …
Why The New Yorker's Drawing of Wunmi Mosaku Has Fans Furious 

Why The New Yorker’s Drawing of Wunmi Mosaku Has Fans Furious 

‘Sinners’ star Wunmi Mosaku has been riding high off her first Oscar nomination, but one drawing didn’t reflect that and fans are calling it out! …
Locksmith Refuses Service to Black Chick-fil-A Owner – Then Gets Hit With a Reality Check

Locksmith Refuses Service to Black Chick-fil-A Owner – Then Gets Hit With a Reality Check

A Black Chick-fil-A franchise owner went viral after recalling how a locksmith refused to help her because he didn’t believe she was the owner …
How One Black Woman is Saying No to Work and Yes to Unapologetic Rest

How One Black Woman is Saying No to Work and Yes to Unapologetic Rest

After being laid off in 2025, Brandy Walker is launching a one-year sabbatical for all Black women to join! …
You Won't Believe Why Stephen A. Smith Is Not Running For President in 2028

You Won’t Believe Why Stephen A. Smith Is Not Running For President in 2028

The host of ESPN’s “First Take” has been open about possibly running for the highest office in the nation …
Terrence Howard Just Said The Quiet Part Out Loud About Black Boys and Sexual Abuse

Terrence Howard Just Said The Quiet Part Out Loud About Black Boys and Sexual Abuse

Terrence Howard’s painful story exposes a truth we rarely confront. Black boys are vulnerable to abuse but are almost never treated like victims …
Strange New Details Emerge About Suspect in Rihanna Home Shooting

Strange New Details Emerge About Suspect in Rihanna Home Shooting

After shots were shockingly fired at Rihanna’s home on Sunday, the singer and the public finally have some good news …
Tony! Toni! Toné! Drama: Founder's Family Fights Over Disinheritance

Tony! Toni! Toné! Drama: Founder’s Family Fights Over Disinheritance

D’Wayne Wiggins passed away in March 2025 after a year-long battle with bladder cancer …
Alabama Is Set to Execute A Black Man Who Didn't Kill Anyone

Alabama Is Set to Execute A Black Man Who Didn’t Kill Anyone

Three decades after being sentenced for a murder he didn’t even witness, Sonny Burton is now only days away from his scheduled execution …
Beyond Damson Idris:Lori Harvey's Star-Studded Dating Life

Beyond Damson Idris:Lori Harvey’s Star-Studded Dating Life

With Lori Harvey and her ex-boo Damson Idris back in headlines, let’s take a look at the socialite and budding actress’ dating history! …
Pastor Seen Shoving Elderly Woman Down Church Steps on Camera, Speaks out

Pastor Seen Shoving Elderly Woman Down Church Steps on Camera, Speaks out

A California pastor accused of pushing a church elder down a short flight of cement steps and out a metal gate just shared his side of the story …
How Trump's White Female Voters Got Played

How Trump’s White Female Voters Got Played

Opinion: White women thought they were winning under Trump. They did not realize they were just being used …
Here’s Everything We Know About Zendaya and Tom Holland's 'Wedding'

Here’s Everything We Know About Zendaya and Tom Holland’s ‘Wedding’

The internet is going crazy over AI-generated pictures of Zendaya and Tom Holland’s potential secret wedding. We’re laying out the facts about the private couple’s engagement …
Why Endometriosis Keeps Getting Missed in Black Women

Why Endometriosis Keeps Getting Missed in Black Women

For years, endometriosis has been known as a disease of upper-class white women, leaving Black women misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Here’s what you need to know about identifying symptoms, overcoming bias and seeking better care …
The Outrageous Reason Why a Cali. Teacher Allegedly Gave Little Children  Edibles

The Outrageous Reason Why a Cali. Teacher Allegedly Gave Little Children Edibles

California students, ages 8 to 11, required medical treatment after ingesting 20mg THC-infused gummies— allegedly given to them by a teacher …
Tamera Mowry-Housely Opens Up About Rough Time Living With Twin Sister Tia

Tamera Mowry-Housely Opens Up About Rough Time Living With Twin Sister Tia

Tia and Tamera Mowry’s fun, twin-sisterhood has recently been a hot topic for fans. And Tamera’s new revelation will no doubt be even more fodder for conversation! …
New Report Shows Lynchings in America Never Stopped... They Only Evolved

New Report Shows Lynchings in America Never Stopped… They Only Evolved

Historians have argued the last lynching happened in 1981, but a report by JULIAN suggests Black folks are still being targeted because of their skin …
As Trump Goes to War With Iran, Black Americans Will Pay the Price

As Trump Goes to War With Iran, Black Americans Will Pay the Price

On the front lines and with a strain on their household budgets, Black Americans will bear the burden for President Donald Trump’s War in Iran …