Why Some Black Folks Are Still Entertaining Racists And Their Friends In 2025

Snoop Dogg performs in Washington, D.C., at the Inaugural Crypto Ball, an event celebrating President Donald Trump’s inauguration. | Source: X screenshot

I had to write this because it’s embarrassing at this point. Every couple of months, another Black entertainer is spotted hugging up with some known racist, performing at an event hosted by “an alleged to them but racist to the rest of us and their friends,” or smiling in photos with people who actively harm our community. Then, without fail, the social media collective formerly known as Black Twitter erupts with outrage, YouTube creators post their “we need to talk” videos and TikTok gets flooded with hashtags like #canceled. But the truth? Nobody’s getting canceled, and nothing changes. We wash, rinse, repeat and act shocked when the next headline drops.

So why do we keep doing it? Why, in 2025, are we still justifying entertaining racist and their friends? It boils down to three things: fear, desperation and our unshakable tendency to forgive people who don’t deserve it.

Fear of being blackballed

Let’s start with the fear factor. The entertainment industry is not built for us; it was built for them. White executives control the money, the platforms and the access. If you step out of line, you risk being blackballed—cut off from the opportunities that keep your career alive. Just ask Mo’Nique, who spent years speaking out about unfair treatment in Hollywood and was labeled “difficult” for it. It wasn’t until recently that she started getting work again.

For many Black entertainers, the thought of being shut out like that is terrifying. They’ve worked their whole lives to get to this point, and the industry knows it. That’s why they dangle the big gigs in front of us—the award shows, the Netflix specials, the Super Bowl halftime spots—and say, “Don’t rock the boat, or this could all go away.” And let’s be real, the Black community doesn’t always make it easy to take a stand. We’ll call someone a “sellout” for entertaining Massa, but when they disappear from the spotlight for staying true to their principles, we move on to the next celebrity without looking back.

The money is slowing up

Let’s not act like the money isn’t a huge factor. Even the most successful Black entertainers often don’t have the generational wealth to fall back on that their white counterparts do. A-list Black celebrities like Beyoncé or LeBron James are exceptions, not the rule. For many others, the checks aren’t as big as they used to be or ain’t coming in like they used to, either. Not to mention how many shows they have to do every year to maintain their lifestyle, take care of their families and secure their futures.

Think about it: The entertainment industry doesn’t just exploit Black talent; it also underpays it. Viola Davis, one of the greatest actors of our time, has spoken openly about how she had to fight for years to earn anything close to what white actors of her caliber make. If someone like Viola is struggling for equal pay, imagine what it’s like for an up-and-coming comedian, actor, or musician who hasn’t “made it” yet. So now imagine the majority of Black women’s chances of equal pay in this Trump/post-Biden job market. When the rich racist comes around with that big bag, even if it comes with strings attached, can we blame people for taking it? Many on social media have been very critical of Nelly and Snoop, but who do you work for really? Who’s really running the country we all work for to feed our families and can’t live in a world with injustice so you do your part when you have to?

So here’s the kicker: This desperation isn’t just financial—it’s also tied to the illusion of “making it.” In many Black jobs, wealth and fame are fleeting but financial insecurity is the norm. To paraphrase André 3000: “If it don’t move your feet, then, I don’t eat,” so we all out here living check-to-check.

You’re only as relevant as your last hit, your last performance, your last viral moment. And racists know this and use it to keep us in check or out of the way if we do “get out of line.” The gigs they offer might not even be worth it, but we’ll take them out of fear that the offers will stop coming. Just like we all went to work to do. I mean, the estimated 50% of us at work are underpaid and underappreciated. And you know what? We are probably working for a racist, too. The only difference is one is the norm and the other feels good to say out loud but not live by yourself.

Well except for me, I work for a Black company so there’s one solution to the problem.

‘Til next time, family.

Peace,

Tory Russell is a Ferguson Uprising organizer, internationally recognized Black movement leader, speaker and political strategist. He currently serves as the Director of Organizing at the International Black Freedom Alliance. He has previously written and created content for the NewsOne such as iOne Digital’s groundbreaking podcast series, “Witness to History: Ferguson 10. He has previously been seen on and contributed to media outlets like Ebony, Essence, BET, Revolt TV, Black Agenda Report, CNN, MSNBC and many others globally. 

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