Jada Pinkett Smith says that she’s “had a few sexual experiences with women,” but they helped her realize that “when it comes to sex, I love men.” She opened up about her sexuality in her new memoir, Worthy. The revelation comes as Jada has been making headlines throughout the month of October for making various comments on her marriage to Will Smith, her friendship with 2Pac, and more.
“Now, there have always been rumors that I’m gay – that I like women,” Jada Pinkett Smith wrote. “Maybe that had something to do with the clubs where I hung out, like the Catch, one of the leading LGBTQ+ spots in LA at this time that had nights for getting up and doing lip-syncs, and where I myself, on several occasions, got up onstage and lip-synched to all kind of songs.”
TOPSHOT – US actor Will Smith and his wife actress Jada Pinkett Smith attend the World Premiere of Disney’s. Aladdin at El Capitan theatre on May 21, 2019 in Hollywood. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)
After admitting that she’s experimented with women, Jada continued: “Still, I cherish the beauty of women inside and out. And I have never stopped being infatuated and in awe of women of all ages, sizes, and colors. My belief is – women are the most amazing creatures on the planet, and I hold reverence for women through my friendships.”
The release of her memoir comes as Jada continues to shop for a distributor for her series, Red Table Talk. Of its return, she recently confirmed to The Messager: “I can’t say at this time, but we definitely plan on coming back.” The show previously ran on Facebook Watch for five seasons. During that time she spoke with a variety of celebrity guests including Kid Cudi, Wale, Jordyn Woods, Common, T.I., Snoop Dogg, Lauren London, Ice Cube, Bobby Brown, Kevin Hart, Queen Latifah, Fat Joe, and many more. Be on the lookout for updates on Red Table Talk’s return on HotNewHipHop.
Since Jason Lee first confirmed that the guests joining him for the debut episode of his Revolt podcast’s second season are Blueface and Jaidyn Alexis, we’ve been eager to hear what the controversial couple will have to tell the host. On Monday (October 16), Lee unveiled a preview of just some of the drama viewers will see unfold later this week, including a hot take from the “Thotiana” rapper about the LGBTQ+ community.
Earlier this year, Blue found himself under fire for asking his 5-year-old son, Javaughn, if he’s gay for choosing to avoid the grown strippers who were hanging out in his family home. The situation was public on Instagram and left many feeling discomfort, so naturally, Lee had to inquire about it. “Being gay is a choice,” the California-based recording artist declared. “Not for some people,” the Hollywood Unlocked CEO shot back.
Elsewhere in the brief teaser of what’s to come, Alexis seemingly tells the story of her catching Blue in bed with another woman. Elsewhere, we hear piping hot confessions about other socialites and stars that the father of three may have hooked up with over the years. The audio version of The Jason Lee Show will hit streamers on Tuesday. However, what we’re really waiting for is the YouTube video cut, which lands on Wednesday (October 18).
Jason Lee’s fans are happy to see that his internet show is returning for its second season this week. Still, that doesn’t mean they’re not concerned about the blogger’s beef with Nicki Minaj. This time last month the pair was trading shots online amid Kenneth Petty’s beef with Offset, at which time Lee made it clear that he welcomes a lawsuit from the Queen of Rap should she choose to come after him. Read more about that at the link below, and check back in tomorrow to hear Blueface and Jaidyn Alexis’ full interview.
Lil Nas X helped his brother come to terms with his own bisexuality, as detailed in his new documentary, Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero. According to Entertainment Weekly, which witnessed the world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday night, Nas’ brother Tramon Hill speaks about receiving support from the rapper. The film as a whole details Nas’ debut tour, 2022’s Long Live Montero.
“My brother really opened doors for a lot of people,” Hill says in the film, as noted by EW. “Yeah, he opened a door for me. What I mean by that, like, I’m not gay, though, you feel me? I’m bisexual. He helped me be real with myself. My brother made me more open to it.”
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 14: Lil Nas X performs at Le Zenith on November 14, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Wolff-Patrick/Redferns for ABA)
Later, Hill speaks about how his relationships may be affected by coming out. “If you f–k with me, you f–l with me. If you don’t, you don’t. Bye. Get out of my presence. I don’t need you,” Hill says. “At the end of the day, people are going to f–k with who they f–k with, so stop trying to chase a friend. A friend is going to always be there.”
When the film premiered, it was delayed by 20 minutes after a bomb threat was called into the venue. Authorities eventually found the threat not to the credible. Nas has still not announced a release date for the film. Elsewhere in it, he discusses meeting Viola Davis at the L.A. grocery store, Erewhon. “I met Viola Davis at an Erewhon, but I don’t think she knew who the f– I was,” Nas says in the film. “I was like, ‘I’m such a big fan,’ and she was like, ‘Oh, thanks,’ and she hurried out the store. It was kind of funny.”
The Chingy-Sidney Starr saga has been going on for more than 13 years now. As the burgeoning rapper was burning up the charts, it seemed like nothing could stop his career. That was until one photo derailed everything. Once Chingy took a picture with transgender TV personality Sidney Starr, his life changed.
At the time, Sidney claimed she and the rapper were in a relationship. Remember that this was in 2010 when the word “transgender” wasn’t in the public vernacular and was vastly misunderstood. Even though Sidney has admitted she and Chingy were never involved, it was too late. Between transphobia, homophobia, and flat-out ignorance, this is how Chingy’s whole career was derailed based on a lie.
The Chingy-Sidney Starr Photo That Changed It All
Chingy during 21st Annual Soul Train Music Awards – Arrivals at Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, United States. (Photo by M. Tran/FilmMagic)
The Chingy-Sidney Starr drama all started in the most innocuous way possible. In Chicago in 2010, a young female fan wanted to take a photo with Chingy after one of his shows. He obliged, thinking it was no big deal. The young lady was a transgender woman, Sidney Starr, looking to kickstart her career. From that picture, she started a whole narrative that Chingy had no idea about.
Sidney used the photo as proof she and Chingy were involved in a sexual relationship. She wanted the world to know she was the one “right thurr” for the rapper. While stories about Chingy’s relationships were a dime a dozen, this one picked up more steam than most since Sidney was transgender. People began questioning Chingy’s sexuality, the last thing an artist in the notoriously homophobic and transphobic hip-hop world wants. Fans began eyeing him differently and made assumptions about his personal life. He essentially became persona non grata. Not only did Chingy’s reputation take a hit, but also his career.
The Derailment
PEACHTREE CORNERS, GEORGIA – MAY 16: TV personality Sidney Starr attends “Baddies ATL” premiere screening at CMX CinéBistro Peachtree Corners on May 16, 2021 in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
The backlash was swift and brutal for Chingy. After being on top of the world with a double Platinum debut album, Jackpot, and songs with some of the top artists in the game, like Ludacris and Snoop Dogg, everything soon fell off. Chingy ended up without a major label backing him, a distribution deal, or even industry support.
The rapper told HNHH in 2017, “I watched people in the industry who were cool turn their backs. I feel like my career was sabotaged.” Unfortunately, Chingy became the butt of jokes, and his music career was the last thing fans were concerned about. They were more invested in his personal life and deemed him an outsider—nobody wanted to be linked to Chingy.
The Admission
It only took two years, but in 2012, Sidney finally decided to speak her truth and admitted there was never a Chingy-Sidney Starr relationship. In fact, it was all a lie, and they didn’t even know each other. The photo was just that—a picture between a fan and an artist.
In a video posted on WorldStarHipHop, Sidney admitted it was all a lie and was apologetic. She said, “I’m very, very sorry, Chingy, for anything that I caused to throw dirt on your name.” Sidney acknowledged that Chingy knew nothing about her, including that she was a trans woman. Getting emotional through her confession, Sidney said she was trying to gain some notoriety at the time and wanted to get her name out.
Unfortunately, it just so happened to be at Chingy’s expense. She said she was young and profoundly sorry for her mistake. Sidney added that she was only a fan, and Chingy was an artist nice enough to take the picture. That was all. Despite her heartfelt confession, the damage was already done.
Chingy Speaks Out
In a 2014 interview with VladTV, Chingy criticized everyone who believed the rumor without any proof. “It goes to show you how many people wanted it to be true.” He added, “It goes to show you that that person who nobody knew had that much power to come out and say one negative thing about me, and a whole mass of people just instantly took to it.” Further, Chingy claimed he was in the middle of a major deal and was close to sealing it, but the head honchos said the bad publicity was too much. They wanted no part of him, leaving him out in the cold. Despite all of that, Chingy said he forgave Sidney.
Sidney Speaks Out
Sidney granted her own interview to VladTV. At the time the pic was taken, she claimed Chingy was her favorite rap artist and didn’t know anything “about her situation.” She said she put the story out two years after the photo because “I had a lot of people in my ears,” telling her she would be on top. Sidney also admitted she wanted to be a star and decided, “Let’s do this sh*t.” She said if she could change the hands of time, she wouldn’t do it because she wasn’t in the right mindset.
Instead, she said it backfired and also hurt her in the process. Even though she was remorseful, she threw some subliminals. Sidney stated she wasn’t the only person who said stuff about Chingy but added she wouldn’t go into it because that was “their situation.” Additionally, Sidney disagreed with Chingy about him losing his record deal due to her. Sidney blamed the team around him because he should’ve been able to bounce back to get “better hits.” Sidney added, “I wish you the best, bro.”
The Continued Chingy-Sidney Starr Fallout
Chingy’s career never recovered, but Sidney’s took off with her appearing on Love & Hip Hop: New York. Although she established herself as somewhat of a celebrity in her own right, Sidney has continued to be linked to Chingy. When hw was named one of the 50 Worst Rappers in 2022, he was shocked and outraged. He spoke out on VladTV and said the list was disrespectful because he had the hits to prove the notion wrong. As his interview made the rounds, messy social media folks decided to tag Sidney.
Sidney wasn’t having it and wrote, “Y’all better stop tagging me in this Because the situation that happened with me happened 10 years ago.” She said she had already apologized, and Chingy accepted. Sidney further shared she was ready to move on from the situation and wished Chingy nothing but the best.
The Chingy-Sidney Starr Beef Continues
Time doesn’t heal all wounds because Chingy still hasn’t forgiven Sidney and blames her for ruining his career. During the 2022 VladTV interview, Chingy said he was still traumatized by the ordeal and, for a while, was weary about posing for photos with fans, especially those who are gay. He said, “I was about to stop taking pictures with homosexual individuals because I felt like they may try to do something like that.”
Eventually, he realized that was the wrong state of mind and understood that Sidney didn’t represent the entire community. Referring to Sidney as “the individual,” he said she must have “listened to somebody or had evil intentions” to do what she did. Chingy pointed out how “the individual” took photos with many other artists but wondered why he was targeted. He also said he’s never spoken to Sidney and has no interest in doing so, even though she has tried to reach out. He added, “I put it in the past, but we don’t have nothing to talk about. Ain’t nothing to discuss. I’m cool.”
Chingy may not be as “cool” about the situation as he says because he threw a major shot. When the interviewer said Sidney was “woman enough” to admit her wrongdoing, Chingy laughed and said, “Let’s just say it, he was man enough.” Meanwhile, Sidney got her lick back by trolling Chingy all over social media. She posted, “Tell Chingy I got a million bucks to give him.. come get some money bro …. since apologizing doesn’t work these days …” She also posted a thirst trap video showing off her goodies with the caption, “One thing my name gonna do is Ring Bells whether Good or Bad! Trust Me!
As Chingy’s fans dragged her, Sidney said she wasn’t a bad person and made a mistake. She posted on Instagram, “Wow! I was young Af and made a mistake! My god! I will never be able to move on from this! SMH I’m done.” She claimed she wasn’t playing the victim but was so over the whole thing. Sidney admitted that her apology didn’t change anything, but she did own up to her role.
Even though Chingy has always vehemently denied the accusation, and Sidney has admitted it was a lie, the rumor still persists. In an August 2023 episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, Joe continued to push the false story of Chingy and Sidney. Although the entire Chingy-Sidney Starr “relationship” wasn’t true and was proven years ago, the hip-hop community still can’t let it go. Unfortunately, Chingy continues to pay the ultimate price. It goes to show the dire repercussions one little lie can have.
Halle Berry has been a Hollywood icon for the past few decades, and while she doesn’t appear on the big screen as frequently as she used to, the 56-year-old continues to share much of her personal life with us on social media. Her relationship with Van Hunt looks to be getting better as time goes on, and she’s never been one to shy away from showing off her toned body in minimal clothing. As Leo season began last month, Berry cheekily slid into her favourite time of year on a skateboard, and prior to that, we saw her indulging in a nude glass of wine at home.
For her latest interview, the starlet spoke with Women’s Health about how her sexuality and perception of womanhood have been impacted through the aging process. “The most important thing about owning your sexuality as a woman is accepting the station you’re at—and embracing that. And I say that because I’m smack dab in the middle of menopause,” Berry told the outlet recently.
“I’m challenging all those stereotypes about how you have to look a certain way or feel a certain way. I’m my best self now that I reached 56 years old. I have the most to offer. I have zero blanks to give anymore. I’m solidly in my womanhood. I finally realize what I have to say is valuable, even if no one else agrees,” she confidently added. Berry also had advice to offer for any younger women who might be reading, stating, “If you’re in your twenties, own that. Own the era of exploration. Earn the era of real curiosity. Earn the era of trying to figure out who you are. Take your time and figure yourself out. You don’t have to be rushed, you don’t have to be forced. It’s not a race.”
“If you’re in your mid-thirties, don’t be bogged down by the idea that you have to have children by a certain age. You decide,” the Ohio-born entertainer reminded us. Not everyone will agree with what Halle Berry has to say about womanhood, sexuality, and aging. Thankfully, the Catwoman actress already proved that she can handle closed-minded criticism like a pro when responding to those bashing her nude balcony shot back in the spring. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Kid Cudi slammed “homophobes” on Twitter, over the weekend, complaining about those who speculate on his sexuality. He says that they’re living “sad” lives and will be “miserable.” Cudi explained that anytime he shows genuine emotions, users on social media discuss his sexuality.
“U know whats crazy, and really makes me question the world we live in, is when I post a picture of me smiling on ig and theres mad comments questioning my sexuality floodin my page w insults,” he began in one tweet. “I feel really bad for yall man. Its sad out here. Man cant even smile and be happy no more. Smh.”
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 22: Rapper Kid Cudi performs onstage during day one of Rolling Loud Miami 2022 at Hard Rock Stadium on July 22, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images)
He added in another post: “Its like ‘oh he smiling TOO hard!! He DEF sucks a dick!’ Its like word?? Thats what we on now?? Homophobic and sad and will be miserable their whole lives.” Fans shared plenty of supportive messages in response to Cudi’s posts. When one user remarked that it’s “sad” Cudi considers it a diss, he clarified that he’s not insulted.
“Its more the ignorence, Im not insulted,” he replied to the follower. “Its just sad to see people so lame, its sad someone, a man, cant show joy without there being some conversation about their sexually. People been callin me gay for years, it is what it is, it just never reached this level of fuckery until now.”
Kid Cudi Addresses Rumors About His Sexuality
U know whats crazy, and really makes me question the world we live in, is when I post a picture of me smiling on ig and theres mad comments questioning my sexuality floodin my page w insults. I feel really bad for yall man. Its sad out here. Man cant even smile and be happy no…
Its more the ignorence, Im not insulted. Its just sad to see people so lame, its sad someone, a man, cant show joy without there being some conversation about their sexually. People been callin me gay for years, it is what it is, it just never reached this level of fuckery… https://t.co/Iub8OvYKYH
When I was a lil boy, my dad was super militant. He never liked us playin around most of the time. He was very strict. Its almost like being silly was a sign of weakness to him. I vowed when I was young to never let anyone, not even my father, dim my light https://t.co/8jaj276OX7
In other posts, Cudi reflected on his strict upbringing. He wrote: “When I was a lil boy, my dad was super militant. He never liked us playin around most of the time, he was very strict. Its almost like being silly was a sign of weakness to him. I vowed when I was young to never let anyone, not even my father, dim my light.” Check out more of Cudi’s posts above.
Lil Uzi Vert is a rapper who has faced questions about his sexuality in the past. Because of their very androgynous sense of style and the fact that they changed their pronouns to they/them last year some have asked questions. Uzi has always expressed fondness for the support they’ve received from the LGBT community. But according to HipHopDX, early on Pink Tape Uzi puts questions about their sexuality permanently to rest.
The album starts off with “Flooded The Face” which features lyrics about Uzi’s orientation. “First of all, I f*ck eight b*tches a day, How could you ever say Lil Uzi gay?, F*ck four of ’em raw, f*ck four of ’em safe, Think I’m splittin’ the odds before you to debate.” While Uzi is no stranger to spitting bars about the sex they’re having, this is the first time where they’ve taken on his gay allegations directly. Later on in the album on the track “Spin Again” they return to the idea with new lyrics. “they thought I was gay, but I don’t know how though,” the song reads. That song also features a lyric comparing the girl Uzi is with to Ice Spice. Those lyrics in particular sparked some controversy when Uzi performed the song at the BET Awards.
Lil Uzi Vert made sure everybody knew they were okay with JT a few days later. The rapper hosted a party for the release of their new album where many collaborators and friends showed up. On top of JT, pictures of Uzi with rapper Trippie Redd and interviewer Nardwuar hit the internet following the party. What do you think of Lil Uzi Vert confirming their sexuality on a new song? Let us know in the comment section below.
In a recent interview with Baller Alert, Toosii discussed ongoing rumors about his sexuality. He revealed that the rumors don’t have a negative impact him, however, Toosii says he does worry about his son seeing them someday. “It don’t really bother me,” he told the host when asked how he feels about the rumors. He continued, “I think the biggest thing that bother me is when people play with me.” Toosii adds, “I would never let nobody play with me while my son is around … My son gotta get on the internet one of these days, and the internet is forever and he gotta see this.”
Toosii also goes on to explain, “I don’t got no problem with the LGBTQ community.” He says, “At the end of the day, calling someone gay is not an insult. People try to use it as an insult but it’s people’s sexuality. So don’t try to throw it on a Black man to down him. That’s not gonna bring me down.”
Toosii showcased a similar sentiment earlier this year during a social media debate. In a clip, he responded to online speculation that he may be homosexual. “I get on the internet everyday and see us attacking us. S**t getting overrated,” he began. “It is what it is at the end of the day,” he says. The artist then went on to explain that being called gay isn’t even an insult, asking, “If being straight [is] not an insult, why is being gay an insult?“ He added, “You’re trying to use calling a person gay as an insult. Them is the motherf***ers that really need to be attacked, feel me?”
Earlier this month, Toosii took to social media again to respond to accusations that the rapper may be “fruity.” “Everything a n***a do in this generation be fruity to y’all,” he began. “Y’all see a n***a in person and be ready to suck a n***a d**k though,” he continued, “Stop playing with me when my [son is in] my hand, b***h.” Toosii insists that he’s straight, however, the internet just can’t seem to drop the ongoing debate.
Toosii has taken to social media to respond to a user’s recent speculation on his sexuality. The user had responded to a photo of the rapper holding his son while at his birthday party. They asked on Twitter, “Y’all sure he not [fruity]????” Toosii clearly didn’t appreciate the user’s suggestion, as his reply got rather heated.
“Everything a n***a do in this generation be fruity to y’all,” Toosii begins his response. “Y’all see a n***a in person and be ready to suck a n***a d**k though,” he continues, “Stop playing with me when my [son is in] my hand, b***h.” According to Toosii, he’s heterosexual. However, this has not stopped consistent chatter about the rapper’s sexuality.
Earlier this year, Toosii defended the LGBTQ community by sharing a message on social media. He commented on those who use the term “gay” as an insult. “If being straight [is] not an insult, why is being gay an insult?,” he asked. “You’re trying to use calling a person gay as an insult. Them is the motherf***ers that really need to be attacked, feel me?” After receiving various comments suggesting that the rapper might be part of the community himself, he said, “The replies speak volumes.” He then wrote, “[Thumbs down emoji] [The] comment section lame…” The rapper added, “Shout out to the LGBTQ community be ya self!” He continued, confirming his sexuality, “And this coming from a STRAIGHT MAN. I send my love to everybody I don’t got a hating bone in my body!”
At the end of last month, Toosii and 21 Savage leaked a snippet from an unreleased collaborative track. Earlier in May, he also dropped a remix of “Favorite Song,” alongside Drake. The “Toxic Version” of the track followed the original’s release in February. The single comes from his album NAUJOUR, which he shared with fans earlier this month. In November of last year, he unveiled Boys Don’t Cry: Men Do, a deluxe version of his Boys Don’t Cry EP which was released in October of 2022.
Sidney Starr (@sidneystarrbad)
