Ex NBA star Kwame Brown blasts celebs like Steve Harvey for 'shaming' Black voters into backing Harris

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Former NBA player Kwame Brown has publicly criticized prominent Black celebrities for pressuring the community to support Vice President Kamala Harris solely based on her race.

In a fiery video posted Monday, the ex-Laker targeted comedians Ricky Smiley, DL Hughley, and Steve Harvey, accusing them of being "gatekeepers" who manipulate Black voters without addressing the real needs of the community.

Kwame Brown slams celebrities for 'shaming' Black people into voting for Kamala Harris 

Kwame Brown's critique centered around what he sees as a misplaced focus on Harris’ skin color rather than her policies. He argued that simply being Black does not equate to meeting the financial and economic needs of Black Americans, especially in the current climate of rising inflation.

"Kamala’s skin color ain’t gonna pay for our groceries," he stated, emphasizing that racial identity alone should not be a reason to vote for a candidate.

The former NBA star also expressed frustration with Harris’ track record, particularly her efforts to support the Asian community through government grants and contracts, which he feels have come at the expense of Black Americans. 

“When you talk about real situations, people are not concerned with somebody being black or not. You’re not paying nobody’s bills with your skin color. Kamala Harris is not going to help get your bills paid just cuz she’s black,” Brown declared.

Brown continued, “Inflation is at an all-time high. And when you go and look at the politicians – and this is what’s said about Ricky Smiley, DL Hughley, Steve Harvey, is that nobody calls these gatekeepers out.”

In his video, Brown lumped Smiley, Hughley, and Harvey into what he dubbed the "go-along-get-along gang," accusing them of not providing their audiences with substantive, intelligent discourse. Instead, he claimed, these celebrities are "alley-ooping" Black voters to support a candidate who has done little to address their concerns.

Harvey, in particular, has been an outspoken supporter of Kamala Harris, even moderating a discussion with her at the 100 Black Men of America conference in June. During the event, they highlighted the Biden administration's efforts to allow individuals with criminal records to apply for Small Business Loans (SBL).

Ricky Smiley also stirred controversy in June when he urged his listeners to block and unfollow those who refuse to back Harris, equating opposition to her with support for former President Donald Trump.

"I’m just sick of the Black people on the internet talking about, ’I’m not with (Ms Harris,),’" Smiley said on his radio show.

Kwame Brown, who played for several teams during his 13-year NBA career, including the Wizards, Lakers, and Bobcats, has used his platform in recent years to voice his opinions on social and political issues, often sparking heated debates within the community.

Kanye West expressed similar sentiments before

Kanye West has expressed similar sentiment before. West stirred controversy by alleging that Democrats have manipulated Black Americans and caused societal harm. In an interview with radio host Big Boy, the rapper and producer voiced his belief that Democrats are responsible for negatively influencing the Black community, including making them “abort their children.”

"Democrats had us voting for Democrats with food stamps for years, bro. ... Guns in the 80s, taking the fathers out the home, Plan B, lowering our votes, making us abort our children," he stated in the interview. West claimed that Black Americans are "brainwashed." He added, "We're brainwashed out here, bro. Come on, man. This is a free man talking."

Kwame Brown faces backlash for criticizing Black celebrities supporting Kamala Harris

Kwame Brown's recent comments targeting Black celebrities who support Vice President Kamala Harris have sparked significant backlash online. The former NBA player’s critique of Ricky Smiley, DL Hughley, and Steve Harvey for allegedly manipulating Black voters based on race has drawn sharp responses from social media users.

Some users have taken to social media to voice their disapproval of Brown’s remarks.

One commenter argued against Smiley's credibility, saying, "Ricky Smiley dresses up like a woman, and therefore, shouldn't be telling Black men anything. IMO."

Another user questioned Brown’s motivations, stating, "She’s not black, her mother’s from India and her father’s from the Bahamas."

Other critics have labeled Brown’s views as problematic, with one user suggesting, "Soooo… if she would have given it to 'black folks' he would have been ok with it? Not quite sure why he thinks this is a flex… he just showed he’s just as racist."

Another user attacked Brown personally, saying, "You know he’s a proven coke head? Stop your bullshit."

Amidst the backlash, some users have expressed indifference to Brown’s opinions. A commenter stated, "I’m not a Steve Harvey or Ricky Smiley fan, but I really don’t give a damn about Kwame Brown's opinion."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.