16 Black Celebs Facing Backlash for Dating Outside Their Race

Relationships in the public eye are subject to intense scrutiny especially when they involve interracial pairings. Black celebrities often face unique pressure and criticism from fans when they choose partners outside their race. Social media has amplified these voices and created heated debates about loyalty and cultural identity. The following individuals have all navigated public controversy regarding their romantic choices.

Serena Williams

The tennis legend faced significant criticism from fans after she announced her engagement to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. Many social media users expressed disappointment that she did not choose a Black partner after years of representing Black excellence. Williams has consistently brushed off the hate and emphasizes that love has no color. She focuses on her happy family life rather than the opinions of internet trolls.

Tamera Mowry-Housley

The ‘Sister, Sister’ star has frequently discussed the racist abuse she receives for being married to journalist Adam Housley. She once broke down in tears on ‘The Real’ while describing the derogatory names people call her online. Critics have questioned her identity and accused her of abandoning her heritage because of her marriage. Mowry-Housley continues to defend her husband and advocates for racial tolerance.

Jodie Turner-Smith

This British actress faced a barrage of negative comments after marrying Canadian actor Joshua Jackson. Social media users questioned why a dark-skinned Black woman would choose a white partner. Turner-Smith revealed that the backlash happened immediately after their relationship went public. She has since spoken openly about the complexities of raising a mixed-race child in a judgmental world.

Eve

The rapper and actress shocked some of her fanbase when she married British entrepreneur Maximillion Cooper. Fans who associated her with a rougher hip-hop image struggled to accept her relationship with a white billionaire. Eve admitted that she had to overcome her own preconceived notions about dating outside her race as well. She eventually found peace with her choice despite the initial confusion from the public.

Omari Hardwick

The ‘Power’ actor has frequently defended his wife Jennifer Pfautch against hateful comments on social media. Fans expressed disappointment that the heartthrob chose to marry a white woman instead of a Black counterpart. Hardwick responded directly to trolls who attacked his wife’s appearance and character. He made it clear that he would not tolerate disrespect toward his family regardless of public opinion.

Taye Diggs

The actor received death threats early in his career for dating his ‘Rent’ co-star Idina Menzel. He has been a vocal critic of the stigma surrounding interracial relationships within the Black community. Diggs noted that the criticism often comes from a place of deep pain and historical trauma. He continues to live his life openly despite the lingering judgment from some former fans.

Donald Glover

The creator of ‘Atlanta’ faced backlash when he revealed his partner and the mother of his children is a white woman named Michelle White. Critics argued that his work centers on the Black experience while his personal life reflects different choices. Glover stated that he does not see his relationship as a political statement or a betrayal. The discourse highlighted the tension between an artist’s public persona and private life.

Bronny James

The son of LeBron James became a target of internet bullying after posting prom photos with a white classmate. Social media users flooded his comments section with accusations of being a sellout at a very young age. The incident sparked a wider conversation about the unfair pressure placed on the children of famous Black figures. Many supporters stepped in to defend his right to date whomever he chooses.

Tiger Woods

The golf icon has faced lifelong scrutiny for exclusively dating white women. His comments about his multi-ethnic heritage further alienated him from some members of the Black community. Critics felt that his dating history was a rejection of his Black identity. Woods has rarely addressed the racial dynamics of his relationships and prefers to keep his personal life private.

Robert Griffin III

The former NFL quarterback faced intense backlash after leaving his Black college sweetheart for Estonian athlete Grete Sadeiko. Internet users accused him of success changing his preferences and forgetting his roots. Griffin frequently engages with critics on social media to defend his marriage and his happiness. He maintains that his love life does not diminish his pride in being a Black man.

Michael B. Jordan

The ‘Black Panther’ star found himself in hot water after paparazzi photos surfaced of him vacationing with white women. Twitter users speculated that he did not date Black women and questioned his cultural loyalty. Jordan eventually addressed the rumors by stating that he likes all types of women. The controversy cooled down but remains a talking point among his fanbase.

Kanye West

The rapper faced skepticism and criticism when he began dating and eventually married Kim Kardashian. Some fans felt that marrying into a wealthy white family contradicted his lyrics about Black empowerment. West argued that his love for Kardashian transcended race and societal expectations. The high-profile nature of their marriage made them a constant target for racial commentary.

Alfre Woodard

The acclaimed actress has been married to writer Roderick Spencer for decades but still faces questions about her union. She noted that her interracial marriage was considered scandalous when it first began in the eighties. Woodard believes that love is a spiritual connection that goes beyond physical appearance. She has successfully navigated Hollywood and scrutiny by keeping her marriage grounded.

Marcus Jordan

The son of Michael Jordan sparked a media firestorm when he started dating Larsa Pippen. The backlash was compounded by the fact that Larsa is the ex-wife of his father’s teammate and is not Black. Viewers of their reality show criticized the relationship on multiple levels including the racial dynamic. The couple eventually split but the commentary around their union was relentless.

Doja Cat

The pop star has faced multiple controversies regarding her chat room history and alleged preference for white men. Social media users dug up old videos where she appeared to seek validation from white communities. She responded to the backlash with frustration and denied hating her own race. The situation caused a divide among her listeners regarding her authenticity.

Terrence Howard

The ‘Empire’ actor has faced criticism throughout his career for his dating history which consists largely of non-Black women. He has made comments in interviews about the physical features he prefers which upset many fans. Howard often dismisses the backlash as irrelevant to his personal happiness. His choices continue to be a topic of discussion whenever he steps out with a new partner.

Please share your own opinions on these celebrity couples and the public reaction they received in the comments.